International debut of the National Centre RUSSIA: more than 1,100 items sold at a trade fair in Uzbekistan
At the International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM.
Central Asia" in Uzbekistan, the National Centre RUSSIA sold more than
1,100 items, while its flagship project — the Department Store RUSSIA —
attracted wide attention from visitors, including the First Deputy Prime Minister
of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, representatives of foreign
delegations, and well-known Uzbek bloggers. The trade fair was held in Tashkent
from 20 to 22 April. For the National Centre RUSSIA, this marked its first
event abroad.
"The trade fair 'INNOPROM. Central Asia' left the warmest and most vivid impressions. For the National Centre, it was important to present our flagship project — the Department Store RUSSIA — abroad for the first time. We are pleased to continue our cultural dialogue with our good neighbour, Uzbekistan. We signed an agreement with the Centre for Islamic Civilisation in Tashkent and will launch joint projects and events based on the cultural values and shared meanings common to our countries," said the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova.
Over three days of operation, the Department Store proved
especially popular for Russian souvenirs and sweets: toffee from the Ulyanovsk
Region, roly-poly toys, Tula gingerbread, as well as sugar-coated cranberries,
decorative cushions with gold embroidery, and Siberian herbal tea.
Roly-poly toys became the main highlight of the stand. They
sold out by the beginning of the second day. Visitors purchased both the
traditional version familiar from childhood and its "sister" dressed
in Uzbek costume. The National Centre RUSSIA, together with the Kotovskaya
Nevalyashka factory from the Tambov Region, prepared a limited-edition series
decorated with traditional Uzbek ornamentation for INNOPROM to highlight the
centuries-long ties between Russia and Uzbekistan.
Visitors showed particular interest in a special clothing
collection featuring quotes by the President of the Russian Federation,
Vladimir Putin. The National Centre holds exclusive rights to sell items with
well-known quotes by the head of state. Among the most popular were T-shirts
and sweatshirts with phrases such as "Next time in Moscow",
"Family is the foundation of the state", "We must always look to
the future", and "A sense of wonder and delight that we are all
together".
The stand of the National Centre RUSSIA was designed in a
merchant style, symbolising the intertwining of historical paths of different
peoples. Wooden shutters, a tiled roof, natural textures, and regional patterns
demonstrated the closeness of the cultures of Russia and Uzbekistan, as well as
their centuries-old tradition of openness and mutual respect. Elements of both
Russian and Uzbek cultures were also reflected in the decor and table setting.
The Department Store also featured other items emphasising
friendship and good neighbourly relations between the two countries. For
example, porcelain figurines from the Dulevo Porcelain Factory of the Moscow
Region.
On 20 April, the Department Store space was visited by the
First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Denis Manturov, and the
Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Jamshid Khojaev, together
with representatives of delegations from various countries. The Russian Deputy
Prime Minister presented the Minister of Industry of Afghanistan, Nuruddin
Azizi, with a T-shirt bearing Vladimir Putin’s quote "Next time in
Moscow".
On 20 and 21 April, the National Centre RUSSIA stand hosted
an extensive programme of events. Visitors had the opportunity to meet artisans
and observe how traditional crafts are created: artisans from the Kirov Region,
the Orenburg Region, and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra held
demonstrations and shared their expertise. Over the two days, craftswomen
revealed the techniques of Dymkovo toy painting, demonstrated the process of
creating the famous Orenburg down shawl, and introduced visitors to traditional
products of the peoples of the North.
As part of the business programme, a panel session titled
"Dialogue of Generations: Tradition as a Fashion Trend" brought
together experts from Russia and Uzbekistan. The discussion was moderated by
the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Natalia Virtuozova, who
noted that one of the key objectives of the space is to foster a sense of pride
in the country through contemporary formats and a forward-looking dialogue.
Participants discussed how local brands and traditional crafts are becoming in
demand and competitive, the role of historical legacy and cultural exchange in
this process, as well as modern promotion tools — from the creative industries
to marketplaces.
Over three days, the trade fair welcomed more than 10,000
visitors from 35 countries, including Uzbekistan, Russia, Azerbaijan,
Afghanistan, Belarus, Ghana, Germany, Iran, Kazakhstan, Canada, Qatar,
Kyrgyzstan, China, Latvia, Nigeria, the Netherlands, the UAE, the United
States, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and other countries. In total, 64
regions of Russia took part in the event with displays or official delegations.
"INNOPROM. Central Asia" is an international
industrial trade fair aimed at developing trade and industrial cooperation. The
event focuses on strengthening interstate ties, showcasing advanced
technologies, and establishing business connections between companies and
countries.
The demonstration of making items from rovduga was part of the programme offered by the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA.
Guests not only observed the process but also asked the craftswomen about the meanings and the everyday life of the Khanty and Mansi peoples.
