On March 21, the President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Vladimir Platonov, met with the Commercial Minister of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Thailand in the Russian Federation, Mr. Sudhet Boribunsi.
Welcoming the guest, the Head of the MCCI, noted that Moscow has demonstrated rapid business growth in recent years. This amounts to several million jobs and about 25% of the budget revenue. "We have something to be proud of. First of all, it is, of course, the accomplishment of entrepreneurs. But the authorities have created the required conditions for the factual development of entrepreneurship", - emphasized Mr. Platonov. He also reminded that the MCCI is a member of the system of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Russia and the international system of CCIs.
"But for maintaining international ties, the role of embassies is extremely important. It is with the assistance of embassies that we avail ourselves of contacts with CCIs, get information about what kinds of activities are promising, what products are needed by this or that country, what Russian goods are in demand and what products can be supplied to Russia," emphasized the Head of the MCCI. He also noted that the sanctions have opened new opportunities for Russian entrepreneurs: Russia is gradually departing from being a consumer country of foreign goods and is actively developing its industrial base. Mr. Platonov expressed confidence that Thai entrepreneurs have the opportunity to occupy profitable economic niches that have been vacated by businesses from Europe and North America.
In his response, Mr. Boribunsi expressed his thanks for the "unique opportunity to visit the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry". He also noted the steady growth of both large and medium-sized Russian companies and noted the tangible support of the government. The Commercial Minister of the Royal Embassy said that Thai businessmen ask how Russian business has adapted to the current conditions. He answered them that it has been very successful. For example, statistics on the development of trade relations between Russia and Thailand show an increase in 2023 compared to 2022. "Given these positive dynamics, I believe that business will grow this year and in the following years," Mr. Boribunsi said. He noted that fertilisers and minerals make up the bulk of shipments to Thailand, while raw rubber and rubber products is supplied from Thailand to Russia. The Commercial Minister of the Royal Thai Embassy emphasized that it is necessary to further develop business activities.
However, there are barriers that Mr. Boribunsi hopes can be overcome with the help of the MCCI. He expressed his concern that Rosselkhoznadzor has imposed temporary restrictions on seafood imports. Mr. Boribunsi has also mentioned limits on imports of pet foods from Thailand, which has "negatively affected the development of positive dynamics." "We would like to appeal to the designated officials, with the help of the MCCI.” Mr.Boribunsi said. Mr. Platonov requested figures on how much, specifically, the economies of the two countries are losing, and promised to find out what caused the actions of the Russian regulator.
Mr. Vladislav Mishchenko, the Director of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and International Cooperation of the MCCI, spoke about the prospects for the development of foreign economic cooperation. "The most important thing to start with is a regular exchange of information, while maintaining close contacts between our organizations. We do not exchange only official letters - various ways of exchanging operational information is available.” Mr. Mishchenko noted. He emphasized that Moscow's export structure differs from that of the Russian Federation, explained by the fact that Moscow exports value-added products, i.e. high-tech products.
Mr. Mishchenko outlined the strengths of Moscow business in terms of foreign economic cooperation, highlighting high technology and IT, and emphasised that Moscow is among the top 3 capitals of the world in terms of digitalization and innovative approach in providing city amenities. "We will also be interested to receive proposals and applications fromThai businesses," added the Director of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations and International Cooperation of the MCCI.
Mt. Platonov also reminded that the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the support of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of Moscow, is implementing an educational project - School of Entrepreneurship for foreign students of Moscow Universities "Start Your Business with Moscow". Those foreign students, who study in Russia, are introduced to entrepreneurs, interested in developing relations with their home countries. "This is the very key to strengthening the friendship of our countries in the future!" - summarized the President of the MCCI. Mr. Sudhet was very interested in the provided information.
Concluding the event, Mr. Platonov thanked the Thai guest not only for the meeting itself, but also for his sincere interest in the development of joint work.