Today, everything is ready to unlock the potential of Russia–Philippines relations: the legal framework, political will, interested Russian businesses, and a reliable Filipino partner. At the fourth meeting of the Joint Russian–Philippine Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, pathways were opened for the long-awaited expansion of mutual trade, and landmark memorandums and agreements were signed.
The first pioneers on the Russian market are leading Filipino companies from the Global South: Oishi and Skin Station & Dermax. Oishi is one of the largest snack producers in the Philippines and China, while Skin Station is the country’s biggest professional cosmetics brand. Filipinos already supply their high-tech products worldwide—now Russians will also get to know them.
Moreover, as a result of the agreements reached and planned, Russia and the Philippines are establishing a regional partnership. For Russia, this means access to ASEAN markets (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations). For the Philippines, it means new opportunities in the Eurasian Economic Union.
President Vladimir Putin considers the development of dialogue with ASEAN a foreign policy priority. Successful negotiations with the Philippines—who will take on ASEAN chairmanship in 2026—and their friendly stance toward Russia promise a real breakthrough in relations with ASEAN.
The year 2026 also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (established during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president). This anniversary will bring numerous business and cultural events in both Russia and the Philippines.
In his opening remarks, Alexey Gruzdev, Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and Co-chair of the Commission, described the Philippines as a significant ASEAN partner and highlighted sustainable development prospects for cooperation in energy, healthcare, agriculture, digital technologies, tourism, and finance, calling the two countries “complementary economies”.
“Next year is a special one for our bilateral relations,” emphasized Gruzdev. “We hope that humanitarian dialogue will also reach new dimensions. We are ready to expand cooperation with the Philippines bilaterally, as well as through the Russia–ASEAN business partnership, which will continue to evolve and expand with new initiatives.”
Allan B. Gepty, Philippine Undersecretary of Trade and Industry and Senior ASEAN Representative, praised the “spirit of trust and understanding between Russian and Philippine business partners.” He noted that between 2022 and 2024, the Philippines received around $1.4 billion in net foreign direct investment from Russia.
“We fully support cooperation with Russia at the regional and multilateral levels,” said Gepty, “especially as the Philippines prepares for ASEAN chairmanship in 2026. We welcome continued interaction within ASEAN–Russia, ASEAN–EAEU, and EAEU–Philippines platforms. Most importantly, this meeting reaffirmed our joint commitment to meaningful, purposeful, and forward-looking cooperation—strengthened by regular dialogue, open communication, and active participation of our business sectors and institutions.”
“The Philippines offer a stable, dynamic economy, a young and skilled workforce, and strategic access to the fast-growing Southeast Asian market. These, Gepty said, are competitive advantages Russian companies and investors can benefit from”.
Marat I. Pavlov, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines, highlighted the existing legal framework for agreements, the strong interest of Rosatom, and precedents of successful Russian business operations in the country. He reminded the audience that the Philippines authorized Russian products, including 10 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine, which saved 5 million lives during the pandemic.
Igor G. Bailen, Philippine Ambassador to Russia (and non-resident to Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan), expressed hope that closer bilateral cooperation would lower service costs for consumers and thus improve quality of life for both Russians and Filipinos.
“We aim to restore trade volumes to pre-pandemic levels and strengthen complementary advantages in agriculture, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, innovation, digitalization, human resources, and tourism,” said Bailen. “By 2030, ASEAN will become the fourth-largest economy in the world. During its ASEAN chairmanship, the Philippines will focus on consolidating the economic community and enhancing its role as a unified market for goods, services, and investments. Russia will play an important role in this agenda.”
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The business community responded positively, with many agreements signed at the Commission’s fourth meeting. Most were secured by PLAN A Ventures Inc., significantly expanding its partner base in Russia. New partners include:
- Russian Association of Electronic Communications (agreement to strengthen cooperation in ICT),
- Mono Beauty LLC (exclusive distributor of Philippine cosmetics)
- Aestetica Group (production and distribution of cosmetics)
- Inotek Labs LLC and Real Payments LLC (partnership in business ecosystems and payment solutions)
Dr. H.C. Cristina Amor Maclang, CEO of PLAN A Ventures Inc., emphasized her admiration for Russia, calling it a “country with the kindest and most beautiful people” she had met among business partners worldwide. She recalled that since 2022, when many others left the Russian market, she decided it was time to build closer ties with Russia.
One symbolic project is a new fusion product combining Russian cheese from Ryazan with Philippine mangoes—a taste innovation that may soon enter ASEAN markets via existing distribution channels.
Lumor Trade LLC, represented by co-founder Alexander Titov, became the exclusive distributor of Oishi and Skin Station & Dermax in Russia.
Following the signings, participants held a friendly reception attended by senior Commission members, including Gepty, Bailen, and Artem N. Tsnamdzgvrishvili, Russia’s Trade Representative in the Philippines, who congratulated businesses and promised full support.
“The fourth meeting of the Joint Commission opens a new chapter in our relations, with the Philippines serving as a link between Russia and ASEAN,” said Tsnamdzgvrishvili. “Priority areas include energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, ICT, and renewable energy—building a strong foundation for regional growth and long-term partnership.”
The next meeting of the Joint Commission will be held in 2026 in the Philippines, expected to attract strong interest from government and business circles alike. The Philippine delegation has also been invited to participate in Russia’s major forums in 2026—the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok.
