St. Petersburg and Kazan, Russia have emerged as key destinations for foreign investment and business development, shifting the focus away from Moscow, according to discussions at the International Transport and Logistics Forum (MTLF) held in early April 2026. The forum highlighted Russia’s evolving economic landscape and its growing partnerships with nations in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions.
St. Petersburg Forum Focuses on Transport and Logistics
The MTLF attracted over 6,000 participants from 82 countries, including representatives from 14 nations considered “unfriendly” by Russia: Belgium, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Poland, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Korea, the United States, Finland, Switzerland, Estonia, and Japan. Discussions centered on transport and logistics, networking, and emerging opportunities in the global economy, with a particular emphasis on addressing deficits in transport facilities and expanding access to finance.
Participants noted an increasing quality in presentations from entrepreneurial communities, fostering understanding of transport innovations and potential for economic growth. The forum showcased a unique scale of entrepreneurial community.
BRICS+ Cooperation and Russian Technological Advancement
Russia and Brazil reviewed transport and logistics cooperation within the BRICS+ framework, adopting joint approaches to the development of legislation for unmanned and digital technologies. Brazil expressed growing interest in Russia’s advancements in maritime transport, digitalization, aviation, railways, and unmanned technologies, with Russia offering to share its expertise to integrate legislation within the BRICS framework.
Russia is a global leader in unmanned technologies, including drones for agriculture, driverless trains, and autonomous delivery systems. Cooperation is also expanding in the maritime sector, with shipments reaching 16 million tonnes last year and discussions underway for a direct container service between St. Petersburg and Brazilian ports.
African Partnerships and New Trade Routes
The United Arab Emirates announced significant investment in its railway infrastructure, aiming to connect to Oman and facilitate freight transportation to Africa and Asia. Russia’s role as a raw material exporter was highlighted as contributing to global economic growth.
Minister Delegate for Maritime Economy of Togo, Kokou Edem Tengue, emphasized the importance of West Africa as the situation around the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz creates new opportunities. The Port of Lomé, handling approximately 30 million tonnes of goods annually, is a key logistics hub for landlocked nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and could become part of new sea routes between Africa and Russia.
Investing in Russian Transport Education
Ministers from Russia—Andrey Nikitin (Transport), Valery Falkov (Science and Higher Education), and Anton Alikhanov (Industry and Trade)—proposed establishing Russian engineering and transport education as a global platform for innovation. The development of advanced engineering schools, with 50 already open and another 50 planned by 2030, was highlighted, alongside the Priority 2030 program led by the Russian University of Transport.
The forum also addressed the technological revolution in transport and logistics, including the use of artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous systems. Russia is developing comprehensive solutions for smart cities, including driverless vehicle control systems and infrastructure for electric and hydrogen transport.
Putin’s Vision for Global Logistics
Russian President Vladimir Putin underscored the importance of Russia’s role in forming a new architecture of global logistics and international trade. He stated that Russian logistics routes can offer economic advantages through reduced delivery times and diversification of transport flows. Putin also emphasized Russia’s readiness to share its experience through joint science and technology programs and specialist training.
The forum, themed “Development Through Access to Global Markets,” was organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation with support from the Russian government and operated by the Roscongress Foundation.
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