SPIEF 2026: Manish Kumar on Asian Markets and Resilience in E-commerce

On the first day of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF 2026) at the "Expoforum" venue, the Russian SME Forum was held. During the second session of parallel discussions, featuring representatives of "Opora Russia", experts explored Asian markets for small business expansion and the resilience of entrepreneurs in e-commerce.

The discussion, moderated by Alexey Maslov, Director of the Institute of Asian and African Countries at Lomonosov Moscow State University, was attended by "Opora Russia" Vice Presidents Sergey Sokolov and Nikolay Dunayev; Sun Tianshu, Founder and Chairman of the Board of "KIFA" PJSC; Anna Solovyova, Managing Director of the International Bilateral Cooperation Department of the RUIE; Vitaly Stepanov, Director General of the "Moscow Export Center"; Ilona Gorsheneva-Dolunts, "Opora Russia" Representative in the PRC; and Manish Kumar, President of Soltex Group and Deputy Chairman of the Board of the FBA EAC.
 
The participants examined priority niches in Asia, barriers to entry (law, customs, logistics, and payments), and practical ways to overcome them, alongside issues concerning the competitive landscape and the transparency of marketplace operating rules. 

Addressing the session, Manish Kumar presented an action plan to strengthen business ties with India within the FBA EAC framework. Key steps include the establishment of a dedicated India Committee for efficient engagement with Indian partners, facilitating the removal of administrative and regulatory barriers (including the mutual recognition of certificates), expanding settlements in national currencies with the support of banks operating in the region, and promoting high-tech industries such as IT, cybersecurity, AI, pharmaceuticals, and machine building.

Furthermore, Manish Kumar suggested enhancing engagement in multilateral formats (BRICS, SCO), supporting cultural and humanitarian initiatives (student exchanges and internships), facilitating the establishment of joint ventures and investment projects, and joining the "Professionalitet" initiative to export educational technologies and attract skilled professionals from India. Special emphasis was placed on the need for visa facilitation, the organization of business breakfasts and webinars, and promoting joint projects in the media.

Photo: "Opora Russia".