By Rohani Ibrahim
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 (Bernama) -- The Roscongress Foundation plans to make the Russia-ASEAN International Business Forum an annual event in order to enhance dialogue between Russia and ASEAN member countries.
Its chief executive officer, Alexander Stuglev, told Bernama that the inaugural Russia-ASEAN International Business Forum, which began here today, attracted more than 400 participants, mainly from the business community in Russia, Malaysia, and ASEAN countries.
“Malaysia was intentionally chosen as the venue for this forum. As one of the leading economic hubs in the region, Malaysia plays an invaluable role in strengthening ties between Russia and ASEAN,” he said when met on the sidelines of World of Opportunities: Russia-ASEAN International Business Forum here on Tuesday.
According to Stuglev, the relationship between Russia and ASEAN is showing good momentum at present, with the number of Russians visiting countries in the region exceeding two million people in 2023.
He said direct flights between Russia and Malaysia could increase the movement of people between the two countries, as well as between Russia and the region, in the future.
Tourism remains an attractive areas for both countries, while in education, Russia is one of the most popular destination for higher education among Malaysian students.
Currently, there are 700 Malaysian students studying at Russian universities, mostly in medical specialties, said Stuglev.
Organised by the Roscongress Foundation, the two-day forum, which ends tomorrow, aims to consolidate the positions of key economic players in the region and serve as an essential platform for discussion and extensive coverage on strengthening trade and investment ties between Russia and ASEAN.
The Roscongress Foundation, established in 2007, is a non-financial development institution dedicated to enhancing Russia’s economic potential and international image.
-- BERNAMA
