These ties to ASEAN and Russia have now agreed on a new 10-year plan to push for further cooperation on trade and investment up to 2035. The 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers-Russia Consultation in Manila on 22nd September approved the ASEAN-Russia SPTI 2026-2035.
The pact is an expanded multilateral cooperation plan for selected and developing economic sectors for the long-term. The existing relationship is already a huge one, as two-way merchandise trade with Russia is estimated to touch US$17.8 billion in 2025.
Digital Economy and Technology Take Focus
One of the identified areas under the new programme is Digital transformation. In digital technologies, there will be the areas of cooperation and potential collaboration to develop in Artificial Intelligence, digital skills and science, technology and innovation.
In addition, focus is on transport and mobility, providing opportunities for better linkages among Southeast Asian markets and with Russia. These spaces may be used to accommodate expansion of cross-border trade.
Energy, Minerals and Agriculture
Another significant aspect of the framework is that of energy and mineral cooperation. The programme offers opportunities for cooperation on the fields of energy, minerals, sustainable development and agriculture has been named as a priority area.
As long as there is a more cooperative trend for ASEAN economies, agricultural trade, energy related projects & resource developments can be expected to be included. The framework also addresses tourism which affords a further avenue for people-to-people and commercial exchanges.
ASEAN and the EAEU Expand Economic Engagement
The new ASEAN-Russia framework follows and complements the ASEAN’s efforts to elevate the economic cooperation with EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union). The dialogue and cooperation between ASEAN and EAEU in the field of trade and economy have been pursued for several years.
The development introduces an extra space for deliberations between Russia and the members of the EAEU. Previously, both ASEAN and Russia have signed a 2026-2030 Plan of Action, which will serve as an agenda for a broader strategic partnership between the two parties.
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What Does the New Plan Mean for Businesses?
The 2026–2035 programme is longer-term and provides businesses with the opportunity to explore opportunities in technology, transport, agriculture, energy, minerals and tourism.
The impact will depend on how it is implemented, with future projects, participation of business and advancement in facilitating trade and investment. However, the framework lays a general framework for the decadal cooperation between ASEAN countries and Russia in the economic sector.
FAQs
What “ASEAN-Russia SPTI” is?
SPTI is a strategic programme from 2026 to 2035 aimed at outlining a plan to broaden trade and investment cooperation between ASEAN and Russia.
What was the volume of bilateral trade between ASEAN and Russia in 2025 in USD?
According to the preliminary statistics from ASEAN, 2025 two-way merchandise trade of ASEAN reached US$17.8 billion.
What sectors does the programme focus upon?
The framework deals with digital transformation, science and technology, transport and mobility, agriculture, energy and minerals, sustainable development and tourism.
