Trade and Economic Cooperation: 4th meeting of inter-governmental Myanmar–Russia Commission

At the invitation of Russian Minister for Economic Development MrMaxim Reshetnikov, Myanmar delegation led by Union Minister for Investments and Foreign Economic Relations Dr Kan Zaw paid a visit to Moscow.

On 27th January, the delegation attended a separate meeting of the Joint Chairmen of inter-governmental Myanmar–Russia Commission for Trade and Economic Cooperation, which focused on bilateral trade and investment, development of agriculture, construction and infrastructures, cooperation in industrial, energy, mineral, finance and monetary fields and construction of Russia-Myanmar schools.

The Plenary Session of the 4th Commission Meeting then followed with speeches by the Chairmen Dr Kan Zaw and the Russian Minister for Economic Development. The meeting discussed the progress made after the 3rd Commission Meeting, held in Nay Pyi Taw in December 2022.

The topics included trade and investment, energy and mineral, peaceful use of atomic energy, climate change, construction and infrastructure, transportation, information and communication technology, banking and financial, industrial, tourism, education, science and health, culture and sports fields. The delegation later visited the Russian Expo Forum, and experienced “Feel Russia” tourism program, discussing the opportunities for promoting cooperation in tourism sector.

During the Business Forum, the Commission Joint Chairmen gave opening remarks, and exchanged views on three key topics of cooperation for trade, investment and agriculture, tourism and finance and information technology. The discussion focused on economic opportunities of each sector, law and bylaws.

On the 25th, the delegation met with representatives from Eurasia Economic Commission’s Integration Development Department and discussed plans for cooperation in industrial and agriculture sector under the MOU. In the afternoon, a round table discussion on Russia-Asia and the Pacific Strategic Cooperation took place and the Union Minister made discussion on economic cooperation and investment opportunities of Myanmar.

He also met with the Chairman of Russia-ASEAN Business Council and exchanged views on economic cooperation, promoting trade and investment. Moreover, a business matching was also organized between Russia and Myanmar entrepreneurs. On the 26th, the delegation met with representatives of Roscongress Investments Fund, and discussed the progress of implementing the cooperation projects including construction of natural fertilizer plant, solar powered power plant, oil refinery and animal feed factory as well as mineral exploration.

In the afternoon, they met with the Advisor to Russian President and discussed matters on progress of bilateral cooperation projects and future plans. During their stay in Moscow, the delegation visited Shwezigon Replica Pagoda in Kaluga Oblast and other prominent landmarks in Moscow.