The best practices of export cooperation between the Nizhny Novgorod region and Arab countries were presented at KazanForum.

      May 16, 2026 11:11 Economy The Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Dmitry Starostin, participated in the trade and industrial dialogue of the Russian-Arab Business Council "Russia - Arab World," held as part of the XVII International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum." The forum takes place from May 12 to 17, 2026. During the session, participants discussed the development of preferential trade between Russia and Arab countries, state support for export projects, the opportunities of Russian regions for the development of foreign economic activities, as well as promising areas of cooperation and the entry of domestic companies into the markets of the Middle East and North Africa. Dmitry Starostin presented the industrial, technological, and export potential of the Nizhny Novgorod region, as well as shared the region's practices for developing cooperation with countries in the Middle East and North Africa. The discussion included the promotion of Nizhny Novgorod IT solutions, agro-industrial products, the development of international cooperation, and support for companies entering foreign markets. According to him, the region is focusing on areas that are most in demand for the Gulf countries, including ensuring food security, developing digital sovereignty, and implementing "smart" economy technologies. "Today, the Nizhny Novgorod region offers not only product supplies but also full-fledged technological interaction. Our exports are becoming more diversified: alongside industrial and agro-industrial products, IT solutions, digital services, and high-tech areas are actively developing. Already, three Nizhny Novgorod IT companies have representatives and operate in the economic zones of the UAE. Another ten are undergoing acceleration to enter foreign markets. We are gradually transitioning to a new model of international cooperation: establishing a presence on the ground through partnerships, partial localization, and joint projects with foreign colleagues," emphasized Dmitry Starostin. He also reminded that the region conducts regular consultations with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the fields of industry, agro-industrial complex, logistics, and information technology, which has a positive effect on the development of interaction with representatives from Arab countries. In addition, as part of the business program of the forum, a series of international meetings took place. In particular, negotiations were held with the president of the AIM Global Foundation investment fund, Dawood Al Shezawi, with whom the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod region signed a memorandum of understanding in 2025. Negotiations were also held with the deputies of the khokims of the Navoi and Kashkadarya regions of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Issues of developing trade and economic ties, creating joint farmers' shops, supplying food products, as well as cooperation in the field of information technology and scientific-educational exchange were discussed. Special attention was paid to the development of humanitarian interaction during a meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Malaysia. It should be noted that the national project "International Cooperation and Export," initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is being implemented in the Nizhny Novgorod region by the regional Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Entrepreneurship. The national project includes three federal projects: "Industrial Export," "Export of Agro-Industrial Products," and "Systemic Measures for the Development of International Cooperation and Export." The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on the main events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+