Traditions, brands, future: what awaits guests at the National Centre RUSSIA stand on the second day of the "INNOPROM" trade fair
In the capital of Uzbekistan — the city of Tashkent — the International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia" continues. The National Centre RUSSIA is taking part in the event abroad for the first time, and presents there its flagship project — the Department Store RUSSIA. Guests from 35 countries are exploring products from more than 50 Russian manufacturers, ranging from traditional crafts to modern brands. Particular attention is drawn to the model of the future building of the National Centre RUSSIA, which is set to open in 2029.
The Department Store RUSSIA showcases the cultural richness of the regions. The exposition features striking examples of traditional crafts, including painted Arkhangelsk chests, chakan (cattail plant) bags made by artisans from the Astrakhan Region, Vyatka baskets, Yelets lace and other items. In addition, visitors can discover designer interior items, unique accessories, natural cosmetics and gastronomic products from producers across Russia.
The space is designed in a style inspired by the image of the merchant class — a symbol of the intersection of historical routes of many peoples. Wooden shutters, a tiled roof, natural textures and regional patterns highlight the cultural affinity between Russia and Uzbekistan, as well as their centuries-old traditions of openness and mutual respect. Specially for "INNOPROM. Central Asia", the Tambov-based factory "Kotovskiye Nevalyashki" ("Roly-Poly Dolls from Kotovsk") has created a series of toys in which the familiar silhouette of the Russian roly-poly doll is combined with painting inspired by Uzbek national costume — another symbol of dialogue between the two cultures.
On the second day of the trade fair, the programme of events dedicated to regional traditions continues. The stand will host a demonstration of crafting items from rovduga (deer hide) — a traditional craft of the indigenous peoples of the North, requiring meticulous manual work. Rovduga is valued for its softness, durability and ability to retain heat. It is prepared by hand: hair is removed from reindeer or moose hide, which is then fleshed, dried and treated using natural components.
Visitors to the stand can also explore one of Russia’s oldest crafts — the Dymkovo toy, whose history spans more than four centuries. Its birthplace is the historic settlement of Dymkovo in Vyatka. The first items produced there were whistles, shaped for the spring festival "Svistunya" ("Whistler"). In summer, entire families in Dymkovo gathered red clay, kneaded it and crushed chalk, and from autumn to spring they moulded, dried and fired the toys. Before the festival, the toys were coated with a chalk-based whitewash using skimmed milk, painted and decorated with gold leaves.
The stand of the Department Store also features a model of the future building of the National Centre RUSSIA, which is intended to become an architectural landmark of global significance and a symbol of modern Russia. Construction was officially launched by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, on 26 March. The opening is scheduled for 2029.
The space, covering more than 200,000 square metres, will be able to host over 20,000 visitors simultaneously. It will serve as a venue for major cultural, business, educational and international events.
The architectural concept is designed in a bionic style: the shape of the building is inspired by natural landscapes and visually resembles a soft, majestic snow cover.
The stand of the National Centre RUSSIA at the "INNOPROM. Central Asia" trade fair offers a journey across the country — from traditional crafts of the indigenous peoples of the North to forward-looking architectural ideas. Here, the connection between eras comes to life: the Dymkovo toy stands alongside innovative brands, and the craftsmanship of manual work complements the power of industrial development. We invite visitors to discover Russia as a place where traditions and technology come together to create a vibrant and unified cultural space.
The demonstration of making items from rovduga was part of the programme offered by the Department Store of the National Centre RUSSIA.
A panel discussion "Integration of the Special Military Operation Heroes into Civilian Life" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the 3rd All-Russian Municipal Forum "Small Homeland — the Strength of Russia".
Among its key events were the signing of major agreements, the Twin Cities Forum, and the festival of cultures "Heart of the Motherland", dedicated to the Year of the Unity of the Peoples of Russia.
