Russia Seeks Deeper Economic Ties With Malaysia, ASEAN Through KazanForum 2026

From Nurunnasihah Ahmad Rashid

KAZAN, May 13 (Bernama) -- Russia is seeking to deepen economic cooperation with Malaysia and ASEAN economies through sectors such as machinery manufacturing, industrial development, agriculture and halal industries at the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum 2026” from May 12-17.

Republic of Tatarstan’s Investment Development Agency head Taliya Minullina said Malaysia remains among the participating countries at the forum, with Malaysian entities involved in several side events and business programmes.

She said the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce is among the organisers of the forum’s international fashion show segment, with Malaysia also participating in culinary-related events, including a chefs’ competition.

“We have a big delegation from Malaysia,” she said at a pre-forum briefing.

 Tatarstan Culture Minister Irada Ayupova, the Strategic Vision Group “Russia-Islamic World” deputy chairman Marat Gatin, and Directorate for Sports and Social Projects director-general Maksim Denisov were present at the event.

Kazan, located more than 830 km from Moscow, is the capital of the Tatarstan Republic. It is also an industrial, commercial, and cultural centre.

As of 2022, Tatarstan had a population of 3.9 million, with more than half being Muslims. It has more than 70 ethnic groups. Tatarstan has more than 150 halal product manufacturers, with about 20 companies focusing on exports.

Its major exports are refined petroleum (US$4.28 billion) (US$1=RM4.28), crude petroleum (US$3.84 billion), synthetic rubber (US$1.06 billion) and nitrogen fertilisers (US$202 million).

Minullina said Russia sees growing opportunities to strengthen economic ties with Malaysia, particularly in machinery manufacturing, industrial cooperation and agriculture.

In 2024, Russia was Malaysia’s ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion.

Malaysia’s key exports to Russia include electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment and parts, and processed foods. Imports from Russia comprise primarily petroleum products, minerals, and chemical and chemical-based products.

Minullina also said ASEAN participation has become increasingly visible at KazanForum, as Tatarstan seeks to strengthen business linkages with Southeast Asia ahead of the ASEAN Summit in June this year.

The republic is positioning itself as a strategic entry point for ASEAN businesses seeking access to the Russian market.

The KazanForum 2026 business programme covers sectors including international cooperation, Islamic finance and investment, halal production, industry, transport, tourism, medicine, education, culture, sports, youth entrepreneurship, women’s agenda and media.

The forum also includes a tourism-focused working group under the Malaysia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission, organised by Russia’s Ministry of Economy.

The forum has attracted nearly 25,000 registered participants this year and serves as a key platform connecting Russia with Islamic economies across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

-- BERNAMA