Experts of the Open Dialogue discussed the trade architecture and economic connectivity in the new world at the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye

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The expert session of the Open Dialogue on the thematic track "Investments in Connectivity", organised by the National Centre RUSSIA, took place on 5 September at the branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Primorye region.

Experts from different countries joined the discussion on "Transformation of Trade Architecture and Connectivity in the New Reality". The session continued the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth", which was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in April 2025.

Opening the discussion, the moderator of the session of the Open Dialogue, Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, noted that BRICS countries and the Global South are now playing a leading role in new solutions for world trade. According to him, this new mega-trend is stable and irreversible, while institutions of the old architecture are losing relevance.

"We already have everything — the new realities of the global economy and the technologies — for a new architecture of world trade to emerge. It is not replacing the old institutions and the old trade routes; it complements them. This is a very important point, because just a few days ago we returned from China, where a landmark SCO summit was held. The key tone of that event, in fact the only one, was the tone of positive development," emphasised Maxim Oreshkin.

According to Rakhim Oshakbayev, Chief Economist at the Centre for Applied Research TALAP, the massive sanctions imposed on Russia have stimulated innovation and the development of such an important quality as antifragility.

"The results are clear and impressive not only to external observers but even to Russian economists, showing how the Russian economy, thanks to a combination of economic policy, public governance, and private initiatives, has managed to demonstrate such resilience," said Rakhim Oshakbayev.

The positive impact of sanctions and trade restrictions was also noted by Maxim Oreshkin.

"I believe that the awareness of this positive effect of sanctions and trade restrictions is something that large economies such as China and India will begin to feel. Over time, I think every country of the Global Majority will be asking for sanctions to be imposed on it, seeing the positive effect this process brings," he said.

Another significant trend — the shift to national currencies — was highlighted by Jian Lian, founder of Beijing Hengce Investment Consulting Co (China).

"There are huge human resources and labour markets. In China we plan to attract workers from Ethiopia. Together with Russia, we are now trying to implement this project, building on China’s advances in technology. It is crucial that all our payments are in roubles. This is very important, because until now the US dollar has been the main reserve currency in Ethiopia. A shift to national currencies is now under way. That is why we are creating new conditions to improve economic efficiency, and we are doing it by peaceful means," said Jian Lian.

According to Pyotr Ivanov, Director General for Logistics of Rosatom State Corporation and Director General of Far Eastern Shipping Company PJSC, the fleet plays one of the leading roles in connectivity.

"Today, when we talk about the development of international trade and ensuring connectivity, we recall the words of Peter the Great: 'Whoever has a fleet has two hands.' We felt this when many international companies and alliances that control 80% of international trade left Russia, and freight rates rose tenfold, hitting connectivity and international trade. That is why the focus on a national fleet is the foundation of stability in international trade. And those countries that make this a priority will always be able to secure export and import communications. We are also moving along this path now," said Pyotr Ivanov.

About the Open Dialogue

The first Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. New Platform for Global Growth", aimed at creating a platform for discussion on the future of the world economy, was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow from 28 to 30 April. The Open Dialogue brought together nearly 700 essays from 102 countries. The authors included representatives of academia, business, government agencies, as well as youth and expert communities.

More than 100 guests from 48 countries, representing all continents of the world, took part in the in-person programme in Moscow. Among them were world-class experts as well as essay authors.

The most popular topic among essay authors in the competition was "Investments in Human Capital" (41%), followed by "Investments in Connectivity" (24%), "Investments in Technology" (22%), and "Investments in the Environment" (13%).

The Open Dialogue continued at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum. On 18 June, the session "Shaping a New Platform for Global Growth", organised by the National Centre RUSSIA, took place. The session was moderated by Maxim Oreshkin, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia, who outlined the main challenges and priorities of the countries of the Global Majority, which are shaping the architecture of the new global order. The session also featured the presentation of the Report on the results of the Open Dialogue, prepared by the partner of the National Centre RUSSIA — the Centre for Cross-Sectoral Expertise "Third Rome". The document provides an analytical overview of global trends identified by experts and participants of the Open Dialogue from more than 100 countries.

At the request of essay authors and experts, the organising committee decided that the Open Dialogue would be held annually. Next year it will become more ambitious, with additional practical days and new opportunities for participants to engage and to get acquainted with the materials of each pitch session.

The recording of the broadcast of the expert session of the Open Dialogue in Vladivostok is available on the russia.ru website and on the official social media pages of the National Centre RUSSIA.