On September 1, 2026, the 11th Eastern Economic Forum officially commenced on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok, Russia. This four-day premier industry and multilateral exchange event has drawn global attention, gathering over 5,000 representatives from nearly 80 countries. Numerous countries sent high-level delegations, marking a record-high level of participation. As one of Russia's highest-level multilateral international platforms, this year's forum not only injects strong momentum into economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region but also builds a vital bridge for communication between the global business and political communities, holding significant strategic importance in the current international economic landscape.
Organized by the Roscongress Foundation, the forum featured a meticulously planned agenda, with all business-related programs systematically divided into five independent tracks. Supported by over 100 specialized thematic sessions, all discussions closely revolved around five core dimensions. First, mobilizing private investment to stimulate market vitality and guide more social capital into the economic development of the Far East and the rest of Russia. Second, exploring practical application scenarios for cutting-edge technologies, focusing on the intersection of technological innovation and industrial upgrading to promote the integration of new technologies into the real economy. Third, building cross-border logistics and infrastructure networks, dedicated to removing physical and institutional bottlenecks in regional connectivity and enhancing supply chain resilience. Fourth, addressing people-centric livelihood issues, emphasizing that the fruits of economic growth must benefit the public and improve the well-being of regional residents. Finally, advancing multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to deepen regional economic integration. These five dimensions are mutually reinforcing, forming the core conceptual framework of the forum and providing participants with a comprehensive macro perspective and micro-level guidance.
Beyond macro-level strategic discussions, the forum placed special emphasis on pragmatic cooperation at the micro level. The precision business matchmaking sessions were equally intensive and highly efficient, covering multiple targeted scenarios. Among them, the China-Russia Industrial Cooperation Matchmaking Session provided a face-to-face communication platform for enterprises from both countries, helping to further expand bilateral trade and investment while promoting in-depth cooperation in high-end manufacturing, modern agriculture, and other fields. The Russia-ASEAN Bilateral Business Dialogue focused on expanding into the Southeast Asian market, seeking deep integration of industrial and supply chains, and creating more mutually beneficial business opportunities for enterprises on both sides. In addition, the Special Session on Transnational Cooperation in the Arctic also attracted significant attention, exploring the development potential of Arctic shipping routes and the balance of ecological protection in the context of climate change, demonstrating the forum's forward-looking approach to addressing global issues.
The high-caliber profile of the Eastern Economic Forum was fully reflected in this year's event. Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory message specifically for the forum. In his message, he clearly stated that the Eastern Economic Forum has become an established core platform for open and constructive dialogue among the business community, government agencies, and expert groups. Putin emphasized that the forum serves not only as a unique platform for discussing the long-term strategic development direction of the Russian Far East and the entire country but also as a key channel for Russia to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with its Asia-Pacific partners in logistics, industry, energy, and other fields. This strong endorsement highlights the forum's core position in Russia's national development strategy. Meanwhile, Presidential Aide Ushakov previously disclosed that Putin would participate throughout the forum and deliver a keynote address at the plenary session on the third day. This news further elevated the forum's international attention and influence, leaving all parties full of expectations for Russia's future Far East development policies.
Historically, as one of Russia's highest-level multilateral international platforms, the Eastern Economic Forum has been held annually in the Russian Far East since 2015. Its core mandate has always been to bridge Russia and the global investment community and systematically map out the economic potential of the Russian Far East region. Over the years, the forum has continuously promoted local investment opportunities and business infrastructure to the outside world, facilitating the ultimate implementation of various industrial cooperation projects. From its inception as a regional exchange platform to its current status as a multilateral economic forum with global influence, the Eastern Economic Forum has witnessed the opening and development of the Russian Far East. In the current context where the global economy faces numerous uncertainties, multilateral cooperation within the Asia-Pacific region, as a key engine for global economic growth, is particularly crucial. The successful convening of this year's forum not only builds consensus for the development of the Russian Far East but also provides valuable cooperation opportunities and pragmatic solutions for the recovery and growth of the Asia-Pacific region and the global economy.