The 3rd International Innovation Forum and Festival was held on 25-28 June 2014 in Digital October Center, Moscow. The Forum promotes knowledge and experience exchange between entrepreneurs from all over the world in the sphere of using brand new technologies. A panel discussion on “Why Russia needs to establish business connections with Asia, in particular ASEAN? Benefits and challenges WHERE are the best points for the business cooperation with ASEAN? How to build a business in ASEAN? What will be relevant in the future?” was held during the Forum on 27 June 2014. Dato’ Zainol Abidin Omar, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Russian Federation was invited to be one of the panelists for this session. The other panellists were H.E. Djauhari Oratmangun, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Ms. Aulia Halimatussadiah, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of NulisBuku.com, Indonesia, Mr. Rizal A. Djaafara, Chief Representative of National Bank Indonesia in London and Mr. Maxim Ramaaf, Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation.
Dato’ Zainol delivered a presentation on “Why should Russia choose ASEAN for Business” during the panel discussion. The presentation focused on ASEAN as an Economic Community (AEC) and its benefit to Russia. Ambassador Zainol stressed that ASEAN is a lucrative market for Russia with its 617 million populations and total GDP of USD2.3 trillion. Hence, Russia should seize the opportunities to establish more business connection with ASEAN. He acknowledged that the ASEAN-Russia Business Council visit to Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore in March 2014 was seen as catalyst for ASEAN and Russia to deepen its cooperation in business, trade and investment. In this regard, Dato’ Zainol hoped that Russia as an important Dialogue Partner will elevate its participation in economic cooperation with ASEAN Member States. In his concluding remarks, Dato’ Zainol welcomed Russian businessman, traders and investors to participate in the ASEAN Community.
