MOSCOW, November 3. /TASS/. Russia’s trade turnover with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has grown by 58% over the past 10 years, with energy exports increasing by 85% and agricultural exports surging 50-fold, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced.

"Over the last 10 years, trade turnover with ASEAN has grown by 58%, including a 44% increase in Russian exports. Shipments of energy resources have increased by 85%, fertilizers by 36%, and agricultural products have surged 50-fold," Lavrov said at a virtual meeting of APEC foreign and trade ministers. As Lavrov noted, "Russia is focused on the long-term goal of implementing Russian President Vladimir Putin's initiative to form a Greater Eurasian Partnership that is open to all."

"We are expanding regional cooperation in trade, logistics, digitalization, integration, tourism, and the creative economy. The People's Republic of China remains Russia’s key economic partner. For several years now, bilateral trade has consistently exceeded the $200 billion mark, and in 2026, it grew by more than 30% compared to the same period in 2025," the minister said.

According to him, "transport arteries running through Russian territory are becoming the shortest, safest, and most cost-effective corridor from Asia to Europe amid the disruption of other routes, and APEC economies are increasing shipping volumes along the Northern Sea Route."

"The development of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, opens a window of opportunity for cooperation. Forecasts suggest that AI implementation could add up to 7% to global GDP over the next decade. To use it effectively, it is essential to minimize risks and, relying on UN mechanisms, develop unified regulatory approaches that account for domestic norms, ethical standards, and respect for sovereignty," the foreign minister said, adding that Russia is prepared to share its experience in digitalizing the economy.

Lavrov emphasized that "AI requires a stable energy supply drawn from all available technologies and sources, including gas and nuclear power," noting that "Russia’s extensive capabilities provide a solid foundation for joint work on this track."