ASEAN countries are looking to strengthen their ties with Russia to gain access to its markets and source cheap energy and commodities.

The recent ASEAN-Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting focused on improving ties between Russia and the ASEAN member countries, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, The Philippines, Myanmar, and Bangladesh.

ASEAN’s total GDP reached $3.3 trillion in 2021, making up 3.5% of global GDP, and its energy needs are growing by an estimated 3.5% per annum. Developing closer cooperation with ASEAN is mentioned in Russia's new foreign policy concept.

Trade between ASEAN and Russia reached around $20bn in 2021, with ASEAN exports to Russia dominating trade. ASEAN is an important area to balance Russia’s power and economy, given the economic crisis it faces due to the war in Ukraine and sanctions.

Regarding the imports of textiles and garments, ASEAN countries have been increasing their exports to Russia in recent years. In 2020, ASEAN's exports of textiles and garments to Russia amounted to approximately $1.1 billion, an increase of 15.5% from the previous year. Thailand is the largest exporter of textiles and garments to Russia among the ASEAN countries, followed by Vietnam and Indonesia.