Moscow, Russia - On March 4, 2025, the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MTPP) welcomed a delegation from the Federation of Trade and Industry Chambers of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. The meeting, which marked another step toward strengthening ties between the two nations, was initiated by Vladislav Mischenko, Vice President for International and Interregional Activities at MTPP.
Mischenko noted Moscow's unique economic characteristics, emphasizing the city’s leadership within sectors of innovation and high value-added product manufacturing. Although he acknowledged the more modest role of the agro-industrial complex within the urban economy, he assured the delegation, "We are ready to connect to these ties through the system of trade and industry chambers if there is a request from business.” He also highlighted the advancements of Moscow, such as telemedicine, medical diagnostic technologies, and Smart City solutions.
Ei Win, President of the Federation of Trade and Industry Chambers of Myanmar, remarked on the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Myanmar. "Now is the time to expand cooperation at the level of private companies," he stated, emphasizing Myanmar's interest in acquiring Russian technology and educational programs.
Vladimir Platonov, President of MTPP, elaborated on the Chamber's mission to promote collaboration, stating, "We can share successful projects implemented in Moscow. We are part of the global system of trade and industry chambers and are ready to exchange information about the needs of entrepreneurs." He introduced the project "Start Your Business with Moscow," aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.
At the Moscow meeting, Sattar Mia, Chairman of MTPP’s Commission for Foreign Economic Cooperation with Myanmar, noted Myanmar's vast export potential of goods desired on the Russian market, such as avocados and mangoes. He underscored the importance of prior product certification and laboratory analysis to facilitate increased trade.
Meanwhile, on March 5, 2025, Governor of St. Petersburg Alexander Beglov met with Myanmar's Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing during his official visit to Russia. This meeting, attended by St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Chairman Alexander Belsky, reinforced the two-year cooperation framework established prior, aimed at ensuring productive relations across diverse sectors.
“St. Petersburg and Myanmar have formed friendly and trusting relations. Our previous meeting took place in 2022. The agreements reached at the time are being implemented. We work across multiple fields – medicine, education, and culture,” Beglov explained.
A key collaborative effort is evident within healthcare. Experts from the Napalkov Oncology Center are currently sharing advanced treatment techniques with Myanmar’s healthcare professionals. Beglov mentioned the successful case of a young patient who was treated by Professor Vladimir Moiseenko, marking the center’s readiness to continue aiding Myanmar’s medical sector.
St. Petersburg’s collaboration extends to military maritime sectors as well, with commanders of Myanmar’s naval forces attending major naval parades. Last year, Kronstadt signed a memorandum with the Thanlyin district of Yangon, and future agreements may encourage twinning arrangements between St. Petersburg and Yangon.
Education is another significant pathway for bilateral cooperation, as Beglov noted ten students from Myanmar currently studying at institutions in St. Petersburg. A memorandum signed between various educational academies has already enabled online lectures and training programs focused on Russian language and professional development.
Beglov also announced upcoming events, such as the planned St. Petersburg Days celebration in Myanmar and the establishment of agreements between the Department of Fire Service of Myanmar and the St. Petersburg University of Fire Service. This was part of activities commemorated during the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the nations earlier this year.
Min Aung Hlaing’s response acknowledged Beglov's initiatives, expressing Myanmar's strong interest in collaborations surrounding industry and high technology. Conclusively, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across multiple sectors, aiming to benefit both countries immensely through their shared engagements.