What can Russia boast about its neighbors?
Author: Naim Asghari, analyst (Germany), especially for “Sangar”
The Eighth Eastern Economic Forum is ending in Vladivostok, bringing together thousands of guests from all over the world. The event did not disappoint the expectations of the participants, but exceeded them in many respects. As analysts note, the current Forum is significantly different from previous ones. If earlier the EEF events were anti-crisis in nature, participants got acquainted and found points of mutual interests, today’s agenda is focused on developing relations, many projects are laid down for the long term.
The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Vladivostok and personal participation in the work of the EEF speaks of the level of attention that the country's leadership pays to international cooperation in the Eastern direction.
The diversity of agreements is impressive, covering a wide range of industries - from economics and technology, to culture and the use of artificial intelligence.
Among the most notable projects is the creation of a large-scale amusement park on Russky Island in Vladivostok, where the assembly of pickup trucks has also opened ST6. In total, 26 billion rubles will be allocated to the infrastructure of Vladivostok and Nakhodka.
The Amur region has agreed with its colleagues from India on cooperation in the gas sector. In addition, the development of ilmenite and titanium-magnetite deposits began in the north of the Amur region. The command to launch a new mining cluster was given remotely by Vladimir Putin and Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government Yuri Trutnev. The project is estimated at 280 billion rubles, thanks to it 5.4 thousand jobs were created. A gas liquefaction plant for cars and a wind farm with a capacity of 1 GW are also planned in the Amur region.
The Khabarovsk Territory has focused on large infrastructure projects - a new coal marine terminal will be built at Cape Manorskoye. The project is estimated at 136 billion rubles and will create 3,000 new jobs.
Representatives of Russia discussed with their colleagues from Myanmar issues of mutual trade turnover and simplification of conditions for the work of Russian enterprises abroad.
Aeroflot and the state corporation Rosatom are preparing to launch a research and production base for the production of components for foreign-made aircraft. As part of the development of the Northern Sea Route, the possibility of building ships in the Far East was considered.
The section on artificial intelligence was of particular interest. The participants came to the conclusion that the evolution of technological progress, even in such an area, only brings benefits. The main thing is not to be afraid to evolve.
Our observation of Russia's economic movements in the Far East, which borders or is close to such global economic and technological "giants" as China, Japan, and South Korea, leads us to the conclusion that Russia differs from them in its characteristics and advantages. For example, unlimited and unaffected natural resources, including oil, gas, and other elements from the periodic table, maybe the envy of competitors. That means it also has more room for economic maneuver at a time when the world's dwindling resources are saying the first word.
The main thing is to use these opportunities and advantages wisely and thoughtfully.