Finance Archives - RUSSIA'S PIVOT TO ASIA

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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Featured September 10, 2026

China – Russia Investment Trends: September 2026 Update

China has built up a US$240 billion portfolio of planned investments into Russia. We examine the varying sectors where these are to be implemented, including trends towards bilateral energy corridors, industrial localization, logistics, finance and tourism. With Russian inbound FDI ignored by the West, the Chinese are taking advantage – and may be motivated by the possibility of the United States to begin doing the same- putting serious capital into Russian supply chain infrastructure.

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September 9, 2026

Russia–China Energy Cooperation: September 2026 Updates & Analysis

The 23rd Russia-China Energy Cooperation Committee Meeting and the 8th Russia-China Energy Business Forum have taken place this week, with confirmations of new energy corridors, progress on the Power of Baikal gas pipeline as well as discussions concerning finance. Russia’s exports of energy to China are up 20% this year, with all sectors showing increases. China could account for more than 60% of Russia’s total gas exports by 2030.

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.

September 7, 2026

Russian 2026 Winter Gas Storage Levels Currently 90%, EU Short At 65%

Russia’s LNG storage is on track to be at 100% capacity to meet this winter’s demand, while the EU has fallen short of its storage targets. However, although the EU is unlikely to face energy cuts, other suppliers are taking advantage of the EU’s political position. The cost of natural gas in the European Union when compared to Russia is currently 976% more expensive.

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September 6, 2026

Russian 2026 Grain Harvest Achieves Domestic Self-Sufficiency-Exports To Friendly Countries To Follow

Russia’s 2026 wheat harvest has already produced enough for its domestic consumption, and it will concentrate the remaining crop harvest for its huge export markets. In contrast, the European Union now imports wheat from North America at 2.5 times the price of Russian wheat. A key part of Russia’s pivot to Asia strategy is a pivot to self-sufficiency – ensuring that its domestic production is in good health prior to engaging in exports of critical consumer products.

September 5, 2026

What Russia Gained From The 2026 SCO Summit: Results & Analysis

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation annual Heads of State summit has now ended, with a major emphasis on trade development. We provide a deep-dive analysis on the 29 agreements signed, including in the security, AI, energy, environment, trade, tourism, diplomatic relations and the SCO’s institutional development sectors. With the SCO possessing nearly a third of global GDP and 50% of the world’s population, this report will be of significant interest to anyone involved in Eurasian affairs.

September 4, 2026

Sberbank Launches Cross-Border Crypto Payments System

Russia’s Sberbank has launched an overseas crypto payment scheme for its corporate clients conducting international trade and investment. The Russian Central Bank authorised the method from September 1 with the mechanism likely to be a considerable game changer in global trade flows.

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.

September 4, 2026

Aeroflot Buys In-Flight Catering Business From Lufthansa

Aeroflot have purchased the 49% stake in Russia’s largest in-flight catering company, Aeromar, from Germany’s Lufthansa. The deal is noteworthy as Aeroflot is sanctioned, while Aeromar’s recent performance saw it make losses. Aeroflot will be expected to turn the business around and back into profitability under all Russian investment and management. Aeroflot’s international passenger flight capacity increased by 8.9% in Q1 this year.

September 2, 2026

Russia, Turkiye Presidential Meetings: September 2026 Update

The Russian and Turkish Presidents have met in Bishkek, with central discussions focussing on nuclear energy, tourism and the agricultural sectors. We examine these and look at the threat of secondary sanctions hanging over Ankara despite Turkiye being a member of NATO.