The Russian container market grew by 1.9% at the end of the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 1.8 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEU). This is indicative of a small rebound over trade figures in the same period last year.
Russia’s VTB bank is rolling out a QR code payment system throughout Egypt to allow the bank’s clients to access up to US$4,600 per day in direct transactions from their Russian bank accounts while in the country. The QR code system is supported by national satellite telecommunications networks and is Western financial sanctions proof.
The Russian and Seychelles Presidents have been holding discussions in the Kremlin with both sides looking to enhance diplomatic and trade ties. Russia is an important source tourism market for the Seychelles, with Russian tourists making up about 15% of all arrivals, worth an estimated US$180 million to the local economy.
Russia and Myanmar has signed an extensive energy agreement that has the longer term potential to turn Myanmar from a poorly organised energy nation to a regional ASEAN energy hub. The country has underutilised oil, gas and supply chain infrastructure, yet with the right plans could become a significant Asian player. We analyse what the deal entails and its regional potential.
Russia and China have signed an MoU on tax, agreeing to share digitalisation techniques and cooperation in bringing their systems closer together for ease of use. Much of this data relates to increasing bilateral trade flow and the need for improved application of tariffs and duties on applicable items.
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India has added several Russian companies to, and extended the licences of several Russian maritime insurance companies after coverage expired due to delays caused by problems in the Persian Gulf. The number of Russian insurers licenced to finance maritime risk in India has been increased to eleven.
Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, has stated it is interesting in using Malaysia as a base for launching its space vehicles, satellites and other spacecraft as the country has the ideal geographical position to reach orbit.
China-Russia bilateral trade grew by 15% in Q1 2026, with some surprising trade growth areas aside from oil and gas. In March alone, trade was up 20% on the same time last year. We identify the primary trade growth drivers and compare with previous years.
Russia’s Arnest Group have invested in a cosmetics production facility in Uzbekistan to develop additional Central Asian export markets for its products. The company is best known overseas for acquiring Unilever’s assets and brands when they exited the Russian market.
Russia’s Rosatom is discussing with the Republic of Congo to build two small hydroelectric power plants in the country. The project will serve as the basis for developing Congo’s energy system and for expanding the practical experience of bilateral cooperation.
The latest Russia-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission has been held in Zangilan, in the Azerbaijan’s Eastern Zangezur region, to inspire attention in developing the recent Armenian deposed area. Also discussed were connectivity issues with Iran’s Rascht-Astara railway, with construction currently suspended due to the Iran war.
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