Muscat – The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organiser of national and international conventions, exhibitions, and business, public, youth, sporting and cultural events. In cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion of Oman, the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Invest Oman, the Foundation recently organised the Russia–Oman Business Forum at the JW Marriott Hotel Muscat. The Forum marked a milestone in Russia–Oman relations, commemorating 40 years of diplomatic partnership. This high-level event brought together senior government representatives, business leaders and experts from both nations to discuss shared priorities and explore opportunities in energy, logistics, digital transformation, sustainable development and other industries.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, Aleksey Valkov, Deputy Director of the Roscongress Foundation and Director of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), spoke about the Foundation’s expanding global role, the growing depth of Russia–Oman economic ties, and the new areas of cooperation emerging between the two countries.

How would you describe the growing role of the Roscongress Foundation as a global platform for dialogue and cooperation, particularly in building ties between Russia and the countries of the Global South?

Since its establishment, the Roscongress Foundation has been actively expanding its international activities, placing special emphasis on the rapidly developing countries of the Middle East and the Global South. We study the economic and social characteristics of individual regions to ensure our initiatives are more precise, practical and tailored to the specific needs of our partners. Active cooperation with regional chambers of commerce and industry, investment funds and business associations helps form stable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The intensive development of the Roscongress International platform also contributes significantly to this work. It brings together business and government representatives from different countries, creating conditions for direct dialogue and identifying new areas of interaction. Large-scale international forums and business events held with the participation of leaders from regional states help formalise and deepen both bilateral and multilateral ties. These combined efforts enable the Roscongress Foundation to build a solid foundation for long-term cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Middle East, including Oman.

What areas of cooperation between Russia and Oman, in your opinion, will emerge as a result of the recent business forum in Muscat?

Following the Russia–Oman Business Forum in Muscat, cooperation is expected to expand in areas such as trade, investment, energy, logistics, industrial engineering, digital transformation, tourism and cultural exchange. Based on the outcomes of the forum, a decision was made to establish an Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Investment Cooperation, and the relevant document is currently being prepared. It was also confirmed that similar events will be held annually, which will help build systematic cooperation and strengthen engagement between the business communities of both countries.

The forum fostered a trusting and constructive atmosphere, opening new opportunities for mutual investments and joint projects between Russian and Omani companies and government institutions. More than 350 representatives from business and government participated, underscoring the high level of interest on both sides in further cooperation.

In your view, what makes Oman a particularly important partner for Russia today?

The Sultanate of Oman serves as an important strategic partner for Moscow within the framework of Russia’s ‘Pivot to the East’, helping strengthen multidirectional ties in the region and enter the markets of the Gulf countries. Oman’s economic potential and its growing trade and investment relations with Russia – including the development of infrastructure, tourism, industry and energy – make it an attractive destination for Russian investments and joint initiatives. All of this positions Oman as a key foreign policy partner for Russia, with relations built on mutual trust, stability and strong historical ties.

What new strategic initiatives or partnerships does the Roscongress Foundation plan to develop with regard to Oman?

In the coming years, the Roscongress Foundation plans to continue expanding international cooperation, particularly with the countries of the Persian Gulf. Among the Foundation’s strategic priorities are the creation of new communication and business platforms for intergovernmental dialogue, entrepreneurs and expert communities. The Foundation also focuses on developing practical cases of intergovernmental cooperation at international events supported by the Roscongress International platform. Special attention is given to the Gulf countries as promising partners, and the active promotion of Russian interests in the region’s developing markets is an important part of our strategy.

It is also worth noting that Oman was the guest country of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in 2024. This was an important step that helped strengthen business contacts and laid the groundwork for future initiatives.

Oman Vision 2040 aims to diversify the country’s economy beyond the oil and gas sector. In this regard, what opportunities do you see for Russian companies and investors in Oman?

International platforms of the Roscongress Foundation – the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Russian Energy Week (REW), the International Tourism Forum “Let’s travel!” and others – play a significant role in expanding cooperation. They allow industry representatives to discuss practical steps and advance the agreements reached, including those made at the forum in Muscat. Building on this dialogue, new opportunities are opening up for Russian companies within the framework of Oman Vision 2040.

Oman is actively developing its private sector and working to attract high levels of foreign investment, which creates favourable conditions for Russian businesses in high-tech industries, construction and mining equipment, renewable energy and other sectors. Additional prospects are linked to the development of Oman’s transport and logistics hub, given the country’s strategic geographical position at the crossroads of international trade routes. Oman Vision 2040 and existing bilateral cooperation platforms offer Russian companies and investors competitive advantages, providing opportunities to enter and expand their presence in Oman’s rapidly developing, government-supported economy.