Russia, ASEAN Set $17.8 Billion Trade Agenda Through 2035

New strategic framework expands cooperation in digital technology, AI, energy, agriculture, transport, tourism and creative industries

MANILA, Philippines — Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have agreed on a new long-term framework to expand trade and investment cooperation through 2035, with emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, energy and the creative economy taking a prominent role.

The agreement was reached at the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-Russia Consultation in Pasay City, Manila, on September 22, 2026. The meeting was co-chaired by Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque and Russian Deputy Minister of Economic Development Vladimir Ilyichev.

ASEAN and Russia endorsed the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation (SPTI) 2026-2035, which will serve as the new framework for strengthening economic relations between the two sides.

In its official statement, the ASEAN Economic Ministers-Russia Consultation said, “The Meeting endorsed the ASEAN-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation 2026-2035 (SPTI).”

The program encompasses 11 areas of cooperation, including trade and investment, digital transformation, science, technology and innovation, transport, agriculture, energy, mining, climate change, the circular economy, tourism and the creative economy.

ASEAN said the strategic program is intended to provide a framework for expanding trade and investment opportunities while facilitating stronger business connections between ASEAN member states and Russia. The initiative also includes opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to participate in cross-border economic cooperation.

The agenda also moves beyond traditional merchandise trade. Ministers discussed cooperation involving artificial intelligence, digital skills, smart and sustainable cities, energy solutions, infrastructure, education, talent development, and environmental and waste management.

Under the ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Partnership Financial Fund, the two sides also noted progress on initiatives related to digital skills, smart and sustainable cities and animation, highlighting the expansion of economic cooperation into technology and creative industries.

The ministers further welcomed progress under the Programme of Cooperation between ASEAN and the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) for 2026-2030, creating another channel for economic engagement between ASEAN and institutions of the Eurasian Economic Union.

Business organizations are also expected to play a larger role. The meeting highlighted continued cooperation between the Russia-ASEAN Business Council and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, including efforts to increase Russian business participation in ASEAN trade and investment activities.

The economic relationship remains significant. Preliminary ASEAN data cited at the consultation showed that two-way merchandise trade between ASEAN and Russia reached US$17.8 billion in 2025.

The 2026-2035 program succeeds the previous ASEAN-Russia Trade and Investment Work Programme for 2021-2025. ASEAN said the earlier framework contributed to cooperation in areas including trade, the digital economy, MSMEs, agriculture, energy and climate change.

The new agreement comes as ASEAN and Russia mark 35 years of dialogue relations in 2026, with both sides seeking to broaden economic cooperation amid changes in the global economy and evolving opportunities in technology, sustainability and regional connectivity.

Editor – Ray