Non-primary exports from Russia account for 85% of friendly countries.

Friendly countries account for 85% of non-primary exports from Russia, which is 8% more than the previous figures. This became known at a meeting between Vladimir Putin and the CEO of the Russian Export Center (REC, VEB Group.Russian Federation) by Veronika Nikishina on April 3. The center had to refocus on new trade relations after the sanctions imposed on Moscow in 2022. Increasing the recognition of Russian products abroad, in particular, the "Made in Russia" program, helps to increase supplies to other countries, the head of the center noted.

What was discussed at the meeting between Putin and Nikishina

Russia has the best state export support system in the world, Veronika Nikishina believes. According to her data, from 2018 to 2021, domestic non-primary exports increased by 28%, which is significantly higher than the global rate. In 2021, an absolute record was achieved. Projects worth 1.38 trillion rubles were implemented with the insurance support of the REC, Vladimir Putin noted. According to Veronika Nikishina, currently non-primary exports provide jobs for 6 million people.

In 2022, the REC had to reconfigure severed trade ties to the markets of friendly countries against the background of sanctions imposed against Moscow. Currently, 85% of Russia's non-primary exports go to friendly countries. By the end of last year, it grew by 8% in physical terms. "For many years, our economic power in these industries has been limited by various protectionist measures, and this began long before 2022 — it's just that in 2022, as they say, the masks were dropped," Veronika Nikishina emphasized.

Edits to supplies: it is proposed to change the system measures to support exporters

What kind of help do companies need?

Today, the REC supports key sectors of Russian industry, such as mechanical engineering, timber and agro-industrial complexes, metallurgy, and high-grade chemicals. Over the previous four years, the center has supported non-primary exports by 5.25 trillion rubles. "That is, every ninth ruble of non—primary exports went to foreign markets with the help of our support," Veronika Nikishina added.

The head of the REC also spoke about the center's work plans until 2030. He has been tasked with supporting at least 12 trillion rubles of non-primary exports. To do this, the center is preparing to expand the geography of export supplies and increase the range of products that it is ready to offer to partners. The "Made in Russia" program has become one of the most effective tools for increasing the recognition of Russian products abroad. Since last year, five festivals have been held in different provinces of China and in the United Arab Emirates, which has increased the recognition of Russian exports in new markets, concluded the head of the center.