28 March 2016 – Philippine Ambassador to the Russian Federation Carlos D. Sorreta joined other envoys and government officials, business persons, and academics from Russia in an international forum that explored the possibility of greater economic ties between the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian regions entitled, “New Conditions and Opportunities for Economic Cooperation in the Asia-Pacific and Eurasian Regions” at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on March 23. The forum was organized by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs head by leading Russian businessman and former Minister of Labor and Minister of the Economy, Alexander Shokin.

During the forum, the speakers discussed the many economic opportunities in the Asia-Pacific.  They recognized the economic importance of the region and of ASEAN as an economic community.

Leading Russian business persons and government officials cited the economic growth of the Philippines as one reason why Russia should look to the Asia-Pacific for business opportunities. 

“They recognized the economic dynamism of the Asia-Pacific and cited the Philippines as one of the engines of growth for the region,” according to Ambassador Sorreta. .

“There is definite interests within the Russian business community and government to engage the Philippines in the economic field,” according to Ambassador Sorreta, adding “we look forward to working together towards this end.” 

After the forum Ambassador Sorreta met with several Russian business persons and government officials to discuss trade and invests between the Philippines and Russia, focusing particularly on the Russian Far East. Among those he met was Alexander Likhachev, First Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia. END