Russia-Myanmar Business Forum : Myanmar and Russia seek to expand trade and investment ties

The Russia-Myanmar Business Forum 2026 was held at the G.V. Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in Moscow on Wednesday, with the attendance of President U Min Aung Hlaing, who is in Russia on an official visit.

The forum commenced with the greetings extended by the Rector of the Russian G.V. Plekhanov University of Economics, the Chairman of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industries and the Russian Deputy Minister for Economic Development.

In his speech, President U Min Aung Hlaing stressed to further strengthen economic cooperation and build a long-term strategic economic partnership. He identified agriculture, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, science and technology, education and human-resource development as key areas for expanded cooperation, and invited Russian investors to participate in agricultural machinery and technology, food processing, livestock, logistics, energy, mining, tourism and digital technology.

He also highlighted Myanmar’s strategic location between China, India and ASEAN, its natural resources, agricultural land and growing market opportunities as advantages for investors. The President said Myanmar has been working to improve the investment and business environment, promote digital transformation and facilitate cross-border payments.

He noted that the Mir payment system has been linked with Myanmar’s MPU network, while direct kyat-ruble payments have also been introduced to facilitate bilateral trade. He continued that Myanmar welcomed responsible investment that brings technology transfer, quality employment and industrial development, while protecting investors’ interests in accordance with national policies.

The President invited Russian businesses, investors and technology companies to invest in Myanmar, and urged all to work together for achieving sustainable and mutually beneficial economic development by combining Myanmar’s strategic location and natural resources with Russia’s technology and expertise. During the forum, the Medal of Merit of the G.V. Plekhanov University of Economics was conferred to President U Min Aung Hlaing.

The President and delegation later proceeded to the Situation Center of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, where officials briefed on the center’s economic data analysis and research activities, including monitoring and analyzing Russia’s population, GDP, foreign investment, budget and exchange-rate data, as well as economic trends and market fluctuations. The delegation was also briefed on the university’s research on low-orbit satellite components and real-time monitoring of maritime activities, as well as research aimed at advancing science, technology, education and IT development.