Russian Envoy to ASEAN: Energy and Digital Economy to Drive ASEAN-Russia Trade

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Russian Ambassador to ASEAN, Evgeny Zagaynov, said the energy and digital economy sectors are expected to become the main drivers of trade growth between Russia and ASEAN countries, with a target of reaching US$100 billion in trade value. He made the remarks in response to a target discussed at the Russia-ASEAN Business Forum in Kazan to increase bilateral trade from around US$20 billion to US$100 billion.

"It is a very ambitious target, but it will certainly take time to achieve," Zagaynov said after a joint press conference with Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Sergei Tolchenov in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

According to him, efforts to achieve the target face a number of challenges, particularly due to the current geopolitical situation and the restrictions and sanctions imposed on Russia. He explained that these restrictions affect not only Russia but also partner countries in the region by hampering cooperation efforts and contributions to regional development.

Therefore, one of Russia's main priorities going forward is to address logistical and financial challenges in its cooperation with ASEAN countries, including through the development of alternative financing schemes to support bilateral economic relations.

Zagaynov said the energy sector has the potential to become the main engine of ASEAN-Russia trade growth, covering conventional energy, nuclear energy, and issues related to the energy transition.

"I think the main driver could be the energy sector, both traditional energy and nuclear energy, including energy transition issues. This is one of the major areas of our cooperation," he said.

In addition to energy, he said the digital economy also holds significant promise for strengthening economic relations between Russia and ASEAN. According to him, Russia possesses extensive experience and expertise in the digital economy that could serve as a foundation for future cooperation with ASEAN countries.

"And of course the digital economy. This is something also very promising. This is something where we have large expertise also," he said. Zagaynov added that strengthening cooperation in these strategic sectors is expected to help achieve the long-term target of expanding trade between Russia and ASEAN.