Putin highlights Asia-Pacific’s growing role in global economic growth

Russia is presenting its Far East as a gateway to deeper economic cooperation across the Asia-Pacific, with President Vladimir Putin placing the region at the center of Moscow’s growth strategy.

Speaking at the plenary session of the 11th Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said the Asia-Pacific region was becoming an increasingly important engine of global economic growth. He said Russia was working with regional partners and integration organizations to expand trade and investment ties.

Moscow’s strategic objective, Putin said, was to transform the Russian Far East into a hub for cooperation and economic development. The focus includes infrastructure, technology, skilled-worker development and social initiatives. “We are working on an equal footing with our partners and the region’s leading integration associations,” he said.

“

We are working on an equal footing with our partners and the region’s leading integration associations.

The session brought together Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, Mongolian Prime Minister Nyam-Osaryn Uchral, Myanmar Vice President U Nyo Saw and Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang. Subianto pointed to the significant expansion of trade between Indonesia and Russia and called for broader cooperation in energy, food security, space, higher education and transport.

Indonesia also wants closer engagement with Russia and members of the Eurasian Economic Union. Subianto said a free-trade agreement between Indonesia and the EAEU was expected to take effect in early 2027 and proposed mechanisms for direct maritime and air links between Indonesia and Vladivostok.

Ding reaffirmed China’s position as the main trading partner of Russia’s Far East. “China actively supports the development of advanced development territories and the Vladivostok Free Port,” he said, noting that about 100 residents operate there with combined investments of roughly $10.8 billion. He also called for stronger humanitarian, cultural, tourism and educational exchanges, and welcomed the growing presence of Russian companies in China.

“

China actively supports the development of advanced development territories and the Vladivostok Free Port.