Maxim Reshetnikov met with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions at the National Centre RUSSIA
On June 24, Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, met with the heads of foreign diplomatic missions at the National Centre RUSSIA. Representatives of 56 countries took part in the meeting, including ambassadors of Argentina, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic, Iraq, Qatar, China, the United Arab Emirates, Palestine, Singapore, Turkey, and other states.
During the event, which was organized together with the Russian Foreign Ministry, key areas of development of the Russian economy were presented, and prospects for expanding the international investment and trade cooperation were outlined.
Opening the meeting, Maxim Reshetnikov stressed that in the context of the global economic changes, a demand for joint development and creation of reliable and long–term alliances with trusted partners is growing.
He presented the main economic indicators, highlighting the GDP growth rates of more than 4% in the last two years, the unprecedented levels of investment activity, and reduced dependence on oil and gas revenues. Opportunities in such areas as technological partnership, infrastructure development, energy, tourism and the digital economy were also stressed.
"The Russian economy today is an economy of opportunity. Large-scale transformations are underway, as well as the major development projects. These processes are supported by the state and are open to the participation of foreign partners," the Minister stressed.
Particular attention was paid to Russia's investment advantages, including predictable energy tariffs, a well-developed logistics infrastructure, a competitive tax system, and a variety of support mechanisms.
"For example, today over 100 residents from more than 30 countries work in special economic zones. They have invested almost 200 billion rubles and created 11,000 jobs. Thus, together with Iran we are setting up the production of cleaning supplies; with Belarus, we have been manufacturing the agricultural machinery, and with India, we have localized the production of medical products," Maxim Reshetnikov said.
Information on new free trade agreements and visa facilitation measures, including development of visa-free tourism and electronic visas, was also presented at the meeting. Since 2023, Russia has been operating a "golden visa" mechanism – obtaining by the foreign investors a residence permit under a simplified scheme. Investors from China, the United States, Turkey, Germany, Korea, Georgia, Serbia, Algeria, Israel, Iran, France, and Switzerland have already used it. Russia reaffirms its commitment to international obligations, including those within the framework of the WTO and the climate agenda, and invites foreign partners to engage in constructive cooperation based on trust, fairness and mutual benefit.
"Russia has been, is and will be an important part of the global economy. We are always open to cooperation in our country, and actively work in your countries. We advocate for a partnership based on the principles of fairness, mutually beneficial cooperation, and trust. Strong and trusting relations in sphere of the foreign economic are now the most valuable asset. Our country is ready to increase it," concluded Minister of Economic Development.
During the meeting, Maxim Reshetnikov was asked some questions by the diplomatic missions' representatives. Thus, there was a question about cooperation in the field of the climate agenda with African countries, in particular, with Kenya, and Minister replied that Russia was ready to cooperate. However, it is necessary to achieve the mutual recognition of carbon units and common rules for determining the carbon footprint of products.
According to Maxim Reshetnikov, the EU is now creating a barrier, looking like a border carbon adjustment mechanism (BCAM), which will increase customs duties and protect uncompetitive European goods due to the accelerated energy transition. It is necessary to negotiate the transparency of the carbon market, and reduce emissions in the most effective way, Head of Ministry of Economic Development believes. On the other hand, the approach should be differentiated, and it should enable the African countries to provide themselves with low-cost energy generation.
"It is a great honor for us to receive the heads of diplomatic missions today. The National Centre RUSSIA has become a point of attraction for people from all over the world. In April, we held the international Open dialogue, in which representatives of more than a hundred countries took part. The initiative was supported by our President, speaking at SPIEF'25. Vladimir Putin invited foreign partners to join the Open Dialogue in order to shape a new global growth model together. We will continue to talk about the future of the world in October, at the 2nd International Symposium "Inventing the Future". Let's discuss how we want to see the day of tomorrow," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
At the lecture "Palaces of Russia", which was delivered on June 25, participants discussed the formation and development of the Russian palace architecture.
On June 25, 2025, the event brought together representatives of: federal authorities, the country's leading higher education institutions, and experts in the field of design and architecture.
On June 25, Slavic peoples around the world celebrate the Day of Friendship and Unity, a holiday that reminds us of the centuries-old culture, spiritual values and common roots.
