The 10th Eastern Economic Forum opened Wednesday in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok, drawing participation from over 70 countries as Moscow seeks to deepen ties with Asian economies amid continuing Western sanctions. The forum, taking place from September 3 to 6 on the campus of Far Eastern Federal University, launched under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity.” It features more than 100 official events, including panel sessions, business dialogues, and roundtables.
Key discussion areas include infrastructure, logistics, innovation, and economic integration across the Asia-Pacific region. Delegations from China, India, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia, and Thailand are among the largest attending. Organizers expect more than 4,500 participants including government officials, business leaders, and academics. In 2024, the event attracted over 7,000 participants from 75 countries and resulted in 313 agreements valued at 5.5 trillion rubles, or approximately US$68.2 billion.
Officials have indicated that the number of deals signed this year is expected to exceed those figures, although no preliminary totals have been disclosed. The forum’s opening day included high-level meetings and business presentations, with a focus on expanding energy, transportation, and technological cooperation between Russia and its partners in Asia. The program also includes sessions on sustainable development, digital transformation, and regional economic corridors.
Energy and infrastructure key focus for forum delegates
Among the announcements timed with the forum’s opening was Russia’s consideration of a reciprocal visa waiver for Chinese citizens. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed that the proposal is under review following China’s move to allow Russian nationals visa-free entry for up to 30 days starting September 15. Officials described the ongoing talks as a step toward facilitating travel and business exchanges between the two countries.
In a related development, Russian energy companies and Chinese counterparts signed preliminary agreements to advance construction of a new cross-border gas pipeline. The deal was confirmed by officials from both sides, though financial terms and timelines were not disclosed. The agreement is part of a broader trend of growing energy cooperation between Moscow and Beijing. Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov also confirmed that new prototype laser systems for countering unmanned aerial vehicles have entered limited deployment.
Cross-border projects attract international attention
Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Manturov said the systems were being tested for integration into the country’s air defense infrastructure. No further technical details or deployment locations were made public. Artificial intelligence and digital finance also featured prominently in the forum’s early sessions. Executives from major Russian financial institutions, including Sberbank, participated in discussions on building cross-border digital ecosystems and aligning AI development with regional regulatory frameworks.
Established in 2015 by presidential decree, the Eastern Economic Forum serves as a platform to attract investment to Russia’s Far East, a region that accounts for 40 percent of the country’s territory but remains sparsely populated and underdeveloped. In recent years, the Kremlin has prioritized development in the Far East as part of its broader economic pivot toward Asia. With formal sessions continuing through the end of the week, the 2025 forum aims to reinforce Russia’s trade and investment networks in Asia while showcasing its technological and infrastructure initiatives in the region. – By EuroWire News Desk.