On September 19, 2025, Moscow hosted the 4th meeting of the Joint Russian–Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which concluded with a friendly reception at the cozy Balchug Kempinski Hotel, organized by Lumor Trade and ASEAN.IO / Plan A Ventures Inc. At this “no-tie” gathering, the parties highlighted and discussed the signing of major agreements that will form the backbone of the long-term development of bilateral relations between Russia and the Philippines.
«The 4th meeting of the Joint Russian–Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation was a valuable face-to-face experience for government and business leaders, demonstrating new opportunities in Russia–Philippines relations,” said Dr. H.C. Cristina Amor Maclang, CEO of Plan A Ventures Inc. and a staunch supporter of building relations with Russia. “This meeting helps expand ASEAN’s ties with Russia, opening doors for deeper collaboration in the future».
Through the efforts of Dr. Cristina Amor Maclang and her Russian partners, Russian consumers will soon discover Oishi—one of the largest producers of high-quality snacks in the Philippines and China—along with high-tech professional cosmetics from Skin Station and Asia’s oldest cigar brand, Tabacalera. These brands, already supplied to more than a hundred countries, will blaze a trail into Russia and the EAEU, bringing with them other iconic Philippine and Asian products.
«This meeting was very important as it demonstrated the seriousness of both sides and their commitment to pursuing opportunities and solving challenges in current trade and economic relations. It showed the joint aspiration to lower the cost of goods and services, optimizing value for Filipino and Russian consumers and households,” said Igor G. Bailen, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippines to Russia, in his welcoming remarks. “Both countries represent large markets, and next year the Philippines will make the most of its ASEAN Chairmanship—an even larger market—by consolidating the ASEAN Economic Community and strengthening its global role as a single market for goods, services, investment, and skilled labor. ASEAN will expand access to a larger market while prioritizing our national development goals: high, inclusive, and sustainable growth; infrastructure investment; and the development of digital skills for digital trade. Russia, as a partner, will play an important role in this agenda.
Agriculture and food security undoubtedly open the greatest opportunities, while business-to-business discussions support government-to-government cooperation in energy, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, innovation including digitalization, human resources, and tourism.
We in the Philippines also aim to increase Russian capital inflows, which can take advantage of a more liberal and favorable investment climate abroad, supported by generous tax breaks and incentives not only for small and medium enterprises, retail, and precision agriculture startups, but also for IT and other higher-level technology enterprises in transport, telecommunications, and energy production, where 100% foreign ownership of businesses is now permitted», the Ambassador added.
The event gathered the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry leadership, including Undersecretary and ASEAN Senior Official Allan B. Gepty, as well as Russian counterparts and EAEU partners.
Although the scale of investments and agreements has not been disclosed, it is clear they represent a milestone in developing bilateral relations and will help advance major cross-border cooperation tasks.
After the welcoming remarks from Russian Trade Representative Artem N. Tsinamdzgvrishvili, who emphasized the meeting as “a new chapter in Russia–Philippines relations,” new Russian partners of Plan A Ventures Inc. spoke, stressing that this marked a new qualitative stage in bilateral ties.
Representatives of Inotek Labs stated:
«The 4th meeting of the Joint Russian–Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation plays a key role in the development of trade and investment and opens opportunities for cooperation in fintech and digital solutions. Our main focus is developing accessible and secure digital services for businesses and consumers, enabling companies to operate more effectively in regional and global markets, and giving consumers anywhere in the world equal access to goods and banking services. This partnership creates a sustainable foundation for expanding mutual trade, introducing digital financial technologies, and strengthening economic ties across Asia».
Executives from Skin Station added:
«The event is an important milestone in deepening trade and cooperation between Russia and the Philippines, and in fostering closer partnership between Russia and ASEAN. The outcomes and agreements have opened our company’s access to a vast market where advanced, science-based skincare products are in demand. We see this as an opportunity to showcase Philippine innovation and present DERMAXPRO skincare in Russia and Central Asia, building long-term partnerships in both retail and professional dermatology».
A critical factor for the Philippines’ successful entry into the Russian market has been securing reliable payment channels. RealPay emphasized:
«Any ambitious cooperation plan hinges on one fundamental question: how to ensure fast, safe, and seamless financial settlements between countries. Our mission is to solve this problem by creating direct transaction routes between businesses in Russia and ASEAN countries. We are moving away from complex, multi-tiered, and vulnerable chains involving intermediaries. Our platform establishes direct channels between financial institutions, dramatically reducing costs, speeding up payment processing, and minimizing risks. In the context of the Russia– Philippines Commission and ASEAN ties, our platform becomes critical infrastructure for implementing agreements. Without a reliable financial ‘bridge,’ trade and investment cannot grow at the pace we all expect. Our key opportunity is to become the leading payment operator for the expanding Russia–ASEAN economic corridor, providing the technological foundation for a new wave of trade and cooperation».
Mono Beauty commented:
«For us, the 4th Joint Economic Commission serves as a strategic bridge connecting not only our governments but also the real economy— especially SMEs—with the everyday lives of our citizens. We see huge potential in the rapidly growing Philippine market. Current trade levels do not reflect the full range of opportunities, and our goal at Mono Beauty is to change this. By opening our markets to FMCG products, we aim to give consumers in both our countries access to high-quality cosmetics. This is the foundation of genuine connections, built not on protocol but on real market demand».
They further stressed that their partnership with Dr. Cristina Amor Maclang—and through her, with the Philippines and ASEAN—is strategically significant. They praised the professionalism and potential of their Philippine partners and expressed optimism about long-term cooperation, aiming to go beyond trade toward mutual learning, expanded collaboration, and unique consumer experiences.
The Russian Association for Electronic Communications (RAEC) noted:
«The mechanism of intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic, and investment cooperation between Russia and ASEAN countries, including the Philippines, has long been a sought-after format for developing multifaceted cooperation. This is especially relevant in today’s era of global turbulence and change. The old world order is fading, and the new is being shaped by the most active countries and regions. Southeast Asia is at the forefront of these changes. Russia and the Philippines share a common desire to live their own destiny, in harmony and mutual respect with the rest of the world, outside the dictates of an outdated and unjust Western-centric model».
They stressed that Russia, the Philippines, and ASEAN still have much to learn from one another, but the first steps toward full-scale cooperation and strategic partnership are already being taken: developing trade, digital economies, sharing experience and best practices, and complementing each other. Russia can offer ASEAN competitive technological solutions adapted to Southeast Asian realities, as well as regulatory and ethical frameworks for advanced technologies.
Meanwhile, the Philippines and ASEAN can compete with Western brands that have left Russia, collaborate in joint R&D in high-tech sectors, and establish new trade routes to Global Majority markets. The outlook for bilateral cooperation is limitless, built on mutual interests and equal, respectful dialogue.
Philippine companies also shared their perspectives. A representative of Tabacalera said:
«The 4th Joint Economic Commission is vital as it provides the official basis for strengthening trade and investment ties. It is a strategic platform for both countries to align policies, remove trade barriers, and identify new cooperation opportunities. Its success will benefit ASEAN by positioning the Philippines as a key partner and bridge to Russia. Strong and productive economic ties with ASEAN members like the Philippines can build trust across the bloc, opening avenues for wider cooperation. For Tabacalera, the Russian market offers major opportunities—a large consumer base, high demand for premium goods, including handmade cigars. This allows us to diversify exports and reach a new, high-income segment of consumers who value artisanal products».
Participants noted the professional atmosphere of the event, which laid the groundwork for successful project implementation. The reception impressed attendees with its friendly and constructive spirit, underscoring the ambition of initiatives designed to last for decades.
A well-prepared, comprehensive push of Philippine brands into Russia is becoming a worthy alternative to Western producers that have left the market.
Photo: Alexander Bondarev
