On January 19, the Russian-Turkmen business forum was held in Ashgabat. The Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin took part in the forum and made a speech.

President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Sergey Katyrin, who then spoke, noted that he considers it extremely important to identify systemic problems and find additional reserves in the work already being done, overcoming which will help businesses reach new frontiers of cooperation and realize the existing potential of trade and economic relations between Russia and Turkmenistan.

In his opinion, the solution of two key pressing problems is most critical. First, it is necessary to work on improving cooperation in the financial sector. “We are talking not only about solving current problems in mutual settlements, but also about creating appropriate conditions for the transition to national currencies in settlements.”

Secondly, it is necessary to consistently work on improving the business climate, which primarily concerns the elimination of administrative and customs barriers. “In this regard, we consider it expedient to consider the issue of creating a so-called. "green corridor" for mutual deliveries of Russian and Turkmen products. It is necessary to think about creating support measures that could not only promote the promotion of goods to the markets, but also encourage business to invest,” the head of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized in his speech.
Sergey Katyrin noted the initiative of the national business councils to open the Russian-Turkmen Entrepreneur's House in Ashgabat. “The practice of using such a mechanism of “qualified mediation”, which allows such a structure to be at the forefront and take on some of the entrepreneurial risks in bringing products to new markets, has proven itself well in work with other countries. I am sure that it will justify itself in the Turkmen direction as well,” said the President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We look forward to the support of the activities of national business councils and the Entrepreneur's House at the government level, as well as from the Embassies and Trade Representations of our countries,” he said.

Sergey Katyrin paid particular attention to the importance of resolving the issue of simplifying entry procedures for entrepreneurs. "This measure could greatly spur the development of bilateral ties, promote more active work on holding joint business events, participation of entrepreneurs in exhibitions, which, in our opinion, remain the most effective mechanism for promoting trade."
According to him, another important task of bilateral cooperation is the creation of a “seamless” logistics environment, efficient and modern transport corridors, as well as an understandable and sustainable system of logistics pricing.

The President of the Chamber drew attention to the importance of enhancing information exchange. According to him, Russian companies are interested in timely receipt of up-to-date information on economic projects being implemented in Turkmenistan, including those with state support, to which Russian companies could join.

The Russian-Turkmen business forum is attended by 420 businessmen from Russia, representatives of the regions and the economic bloc of federal executive bodies. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation is also represented by its Vice-President Vladimir Padalko.

Press Service of the Chamber