First international showcase: Department Store RUSSIA opens at "INNOPROM. Central Asia"

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The National Centre RUSSIA is being presented abroad for the first time. In the capital of Uzbekistan, the city of Tashkent, the International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia" has opened, where the Centre’s flagship project — the Department Store RUSSIA, is showcased. Guests from 35 countries can discover more than 50 manufacturers from 39 regions of Russia: from northern decorative painting, Gzhel porcelain and Zhostovo trays to Orenburg down shawls and Dymkovo toys. The programme also features cultural and business events, where all comers can learn more about traditional Russian crafts.

At the exposition "INNOPROM. Central Asia" in Tashkent, the Department Store RUSSIA perfectly combines centuries-old traditions with advanced solutions, and handcrafted work with the production capabilities of different regions. Visitors to the stand can explore signature homeware and tableware, unique accessories decorated using traditional craft techniques, natural cosmetics, gastronomic brands from across Russia, and much more. The space is designed in a style inspired by the image of the merchant class — a symbol of the intertwining historical paths of many peoples. Wooden shutters, a tiled roof, natural textures and regional patterns — every detail highlights the cultural proximity of Russia and Uzbekistan, as well as their long-standing traditions of openness and mutual respect.

"The National Centre RUSSIA is presenting in Uzbekistan the finest products of domestic manufacturers, artisans and craftspeople. Every item in our space carries a piece of the history of its native region. We deliberately chose the format of an industrial trade fair to present our Department Store. It is precisely here, among advanced technologies and industrial production, that manual craftsmanship becomes especially visible and valued — the very skill that our ancestors preserved for us. It is no coincidence that Uzbekistan has become the first international venue where the Department Store RUSSIA is introduced. We are united by centuries-old friendship and a shared history. Uzbekistan, like Russia, is renowned for its traditional crafts and preserves its cultural heritage with the same care," said Natalia Virtuozova.

Specially for the trade fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia", the Tambov factory "Kotovskiye Nevalyashki" (Kotovsk’s Roly-Poly Dolls) created a series of toys in which the familiar silhouette of the Russian roly-poly doll is combined with decorative painting inspired by the Uzbek national costume. This serves as another symbol of dialogue between the two cultures, the connection between generations, and respect for the traditions of Russia and Uzbekistan.

In this children’s toy, different epochs, characters and meanings come together. This reflects one of the key messages of the Department Store RUSSIA — to speak about unity among peoples and the interweaving of cultures through the language of craft traditions and contemporary design. Besides, the Russian–Uzbek roly-poly doll serves as a reminder that resilience and goodwill are values understood in any country.

A notable part of the exposition is a special clothing collection featuring quotes by the President of Russia Vladimir Putin: "Next time in Moscow", "We must always look to the future", "A sense of wonder and joy from being together", and others. The first purchase there was a T-shirt featuring a quote by President Vladimir Putin: "Next time in Moscow".

The stand features an extensive events programme: guests can meet artisans who create unique products and witness the making of traditional crafts during live demonstrations by masters from various regions, including the Kirov and Orenburg Regions, and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra.

In addition, the National Centre RUSSIA is organising a panel discussion, "Dialogue of Generations: A Fashionable Trend towards Tradition". Participants will discuss: how cultural identity influences product demand; the export potential of goods with national identity; and how regional brands can foster sustainable international dialogue.

The stand also presents a model of the new building of the National Centre RUSSIA, the construction of which was officially launched on 26 March 2026 by President Vladimir Putin. The space is set to open in 2029. It will become an architectural landmark of global significance and a symbol of modern Russia.

The total area will exceed 200,000 square metres and will accommodate more than 20,000 visitors at a time. The venue will host cultural, business, educational and international events of importance not only for Russia but for the entire world. The building concept is developed in a bionic style, with its shape echoing natural landscapes and resembling a snow cover — soft, majestic and serene.

The Department Store RUSSIA project of the National Centre RUSSIA was launched on 4 November 2024 as a continuation of the Department Store space from the International RUSSIA EXPO, and has already brought together more than 160 manufacturers from 60 regions of the country. Similar spaces showcasing unique products and celebrating talented artisans from across Russia are being created in other regions alongside the opening of branches of the National Centre RUSSIA.

The International Industrial Trade Fair "INNOPROM. Central Asia" will run from 20 to 22 April. It is one of the key platforms for developing industrial cooperation in the Eurasian region. Around 250 companies from Russia, Belarus, China and Kazakhstan, as well as about 100 companies from Uzbekistan, are presenting their technological solutions. Developments are also being showcased by 16 regions of Russia, including Moscow, the Republic of Tatarstan, the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Chelyabinsk Region, the Kirov Region, the Udmurtian Republic and the Leningrad Region.