Sergey Gorkov: “Russia Has the Expertise and Technologies Needed by the Countries of the Arab World”
Sergey Gorkov: “Russia Has the Expertise and Technologies Needed by the Countries of the Arab World”
15 May
The Russian economy should focus on exporting processed goods, rather than commodities, to the countries of the Arab world. This was stated to journalists by Sergey Gorkov, Chairman of the Russian-Arab Business Council, on the sidelines of the 17th International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum”. By supplying raw materials abroad, the Russian Federation loses out on added value
“That is a thing of the past. Russian companies need to focus on creating and localising production facilities in these countries and selling finished products, so as to be represented not merely on the commodities market, but on the market for a specific product. The Council's work is precisely geared towards this. We have things to showcase; unfortunately, not for the whole world, but specifically for the Arab countries, we have both the technologies and the expertise across a range of fields,” Sergey Gorkov said.
In the current geopolitical climate, the Gulf states have found themselves facing serious challenges that did not exist before and which demand careful thought about various aspects of security, such as food security.
“These countries have never built up reserves for such eventualities. And for Russian companies, sizeable niches are emerging for the supply of their products. We are seeing an increase in enquiries directed towards Russia in the current situation, linked, for example, to food products and equipment. The situation is fairly favourable for us, as new niches are appearing that were not exactly closed off before, but rather had simply not taken shape. We must seize this opportunity. The strategy of moving into these markets, localising, and selling finished products, not raw materials, is the most promising one,” said Sergey Gorkov.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
“That is a thing of the past. Russian companies need to focus on creating and localising production facilities in these countries and selling finished products, so as to be represented not merely on the commodities market, but on the market for a specific product. The Council's work is precisely geared towards this. We have things to showcase; unfortunately, not for the whole world, but specifically for the Arab countries, we have both the technologies and the expertise across a range of fields,” Sergey Gorkov said.
In the current geopolitical climate, the Gulf states have found themselves facing serious challenges that did not exist before and which demand careful thought about various aspects of security, such as food security.
“These countries have never built up reserves for such eventualities. And for Russian companies, sizeable niches are emerging for the supply of their products. We are seeing an increase in enquiries directed towards Russia in the current situation, linked, for example, to food products and equipment. The situation is fairly favourable for us, as new niches are appearing that were not exactly closed off before, but rather had simply not taken shape. We must seize this opportunity. The strategy of moving into these markets, localising, and selling finished products, not raw materials, is the most promising one,” said Sergey Gorkov.
*****
The International Economic Forum “Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum” is being held in Kazan from 12 to 17 May 2026. In accordance with a decree of the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Forum acquired federal status in 2023, becoming the main platform for interaction between Russia and the Islamic world.
Representatives from 103 countries have registered for KazanForum 2026.
The Forum’s 2026 business programme includes 149 events across 21 tracks. Several international exhibitions will be held as part of the Forum: The International Exhibition of Co-operation between Russia and the Islamic World, the “Innovations. Investment. Infrastructure” Exhibition, the International Real Estate Exhibition and Conference, and the Kazan Halal Market Trade Fair. The agenda also includes: the Forum of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of OIC Countries, the Forum of Young Diplomats, the Forum of Young Entrepreneurs, meetings of intergovernmental commissions and bilateral conferences, festivals, gastronomic and sports projects, including the “Business on Horseback” horse race and the International Jockeys’ Championship.
In 2026, Kazan holds the status of Cultural Capital of the Islamic World. Cultural co‑operation will be one of the key themes of the humanitarian agenda – during the Forum, the Congress of Ministers of Culture of OIC Countries and the 15th Session of the ICESCO General Conference will be held. The programme will conclude with the “Izge Bolgar Zhyeni” gathering in Bolgar, dedicated to the Day of the Official Adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.
The full programme of the Event is available on the Forum’s official website.
The Roscongress Foundation acts as the Operator for the preparation and holding of the Event, whereas ANO “Directorate for Sports and Social Projects” serves as the Operator’s Executive Directorate.
