ASEAN News & Analysis

ASEAN

Russia-ASEAN trade in 2025 showed significant growth, with trade up over 30% by August, focusing on energy, agriculture, digital tech and nuclear power, while the ASEAN countries – Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – sought diversified partners and access to Russian goods like components and resources, utilizing non-dollar payments amidst sanctions, with new cooperation plans for 2026-2035 being finalized. Discover trade agreements, investment flows, and business strategies for entering Southeast Asia’s dynamic markets from Russia, and vice-versa.

Vietnam Bilateral
Featured September 12, 2026

Russia-Vietnam Bilateral Relations – A Deep Dive into the 50-Point Joint Statement, 21 Deals and Other Major Outcomes: Analysis

Most reports on the Putin-To Lam meetings omitted details of the two countries 50-Point Joint Statement and the 21 strategic development documents. In this follow-up artcle we identify in detail exactly what these were and the implications for Russia-Vietnam-ASEAN trade development. It is essential reading for anyone involved in ASEAN affairs.

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Vietnam Bilateral
Featured September 10, 2026

Russia-Vietnam Bilateral Relations, Trade, Infrastructure & Development: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Vietnamese Presidents have met in Moscow with sizeable delegations accompanying them. Comprehensive talks were held concerning energy, infrastructure, investments and finance, with an emphasis on direct Moscow-Hanoi rail connectivity, nuclear power, and a near-tripling of bilateral trade by 2030. We provide full details of what was discussed and the implications for Vietnam and the wider ASEAN region.

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EEF Forum
September 8, 2026

The 2026 Eastern Economic Forum: Results, Signed Agreements & Analysis

The Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok has concluded with a huge US$79 billion worth of agreements signed. With significant delegations from China, India, South Korea, Japan, Mongolia and the ASEAN countries all involved, we deep dive what investments are being made and where, the status of the announced deals, and the overall impact this significant event will have on the Russian Far East’s integration into the rest of Asia – as well as the issues to overcome. This is essential reading for anyone involved in East Asian affairs.

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Philippines
September 4, 2026

VTB Launches QR Code Payments System In Indonesia and The Philippines

Russia’s VTB bank has launched its QR code payment service to Indonesia and the Philippines. Both are increasingly popular with Russian tourists, with the system avoiding Western payment mechanisms with direct debit from Russian clients’ ruble bank accounts at the prevailing exchange rate from the relevant local store in rupiah or pesos. There is no commission on the transaction.

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September 1, 2026

The 2026 Eastern Economic Forum – Russia’s Far East Emerges As A New Gateway To Asian Economic Integration: A Complete Event Analysis

Your Guide to Russia’s Eastern Economic Forum, which starts on September 1 in Vladivostok. This is the premier event showcasing Russia’s real engagement with the entire Asian region. We deep dive what is happening, who is attending, the main themes and investment drivers, and why this is one of the most important and influential events of the year as concerns Russia’s Pivot To Asia. This is essential reading for anyone involved in Russia’s growing Asian and Far Eastern presence.

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Vietnam 2026 Trade
August 23, 2026

Russia, Vietnam 2026 Trade & Investment Update: Industry, Defense To Connectivity, Energy, Food, Digitization, Tourism And Technology

Russia and Vietnam have been engaging in numerous discussions and events over the past few months as they seek to double bilateral trade volumes to US$10 billion. We deep dive what has been discussed, development programmes and investments and how the two countries can realise their economic trade target ambitions.

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Myanmar 2026 Trade
August 21, 2026

Russia-Myanmar 2026 Trade, Economic And Strategic Partnership: Analysis

The President of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing has been visiting Moscow. He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and numerous other senior government and business leaders. We deep dive the bilateral relationship, with current volumes at US$2 billion but plans to substantially increase this. We look at the massive Dawei Port development, the implications for ASEAN and India, as well as the bilateral trade opportunities and the hurdles to overcome.

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Thailand QR Code
August 20, 2026

Russia’s VTB Opens QR Code Payments System In Thailand

Russia’s VTB bank has rolled out a QR code payment system throughout Thailand, allowing its Russian clients to make instantaneous payments of up to US$1,3460 a time via selected outlets. With 2 million Russian tourists expected to visit Thailand this year, the system bypasses Western financial sanctions and gives back independence to both Thai retailers and Russian consumers.

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