Russia consumer goods mission eyes HK connections

A Russian consumer goods business mission, organized by the Russian Export Center (REC), is visiting Hong Kong on Sept 15 and 16, seeking connections with potential partners and buyers from the local and wider Asian market.

"Hong Kong is a unique hub for international business," said Evgeny Bazhov, head of the REC's Representative Office in Shanghai, at the opening ceremony of the first edition of the "Made in Russia" national brand business mission for consumer goods to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Sept 15.

Noting that Hong Kong can bring together businesses from around the world, Bazhov said it is an opportunity for Russian companies to find the right partners, enter new markets, and build long-term business relationships.

The business-to-business event was held with the support of the Consulate General of Russia in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Russia's Ministry of Agriculture.

"Bilateral trade between Russia and Hong Kong in the first half of 2026 amounted to $2 billion, broadly in line with last year's level," said Vadim Savin, deputy consul general of Russia in Hong Kong, noting Russia's exports to the city exceeded $1.1 billion and are well balanced in structure.

"A business mission … is a platform for open dialogue," said Savin, expressing his hope for companies to explore new market opportunities through face-to-face communication.

The opening ceremony was also addressed by Gary Lau, deputy chairman of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries; Ellis Wong Wai-hung, vice-president of the Chinese Manufacturers Association of Hong Kong; Samuel Cheng, associate director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; and Natalia Kruglova, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia in China and vice-consul of the Consulate General of Russia in Guangzhou.

Delegates said they hope the event will not only connect Russian companies with Hong Kong partners but also allow them to explore opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and even other global markets through the international platform the city offers as a "super-connector".

A total of 12 Russian companies from various industries — ranging from food production and jewelry to veterinary and plant protection products — attended the event, including leading pork producer Miratorg, Russia's largest pasta manufacturer Makfa, and baby food manufacturer FrutoNanny.

"We have high expectations for the event," said Vera Nikitina, a representative of Belevskaya Pastila, a leading food manufacturer specializing in traditional Russian desserts and natural sweets with no artificial additives.

Noting that the company's products are based on an ancient Russian recipe dating back to 1881 and have already been exported to various Asian markets, Nikitina said she sees a gap in the Hong Kong market and significant sales potential, particularly for its premium product lines, given the city's sizable middle-class population.

Visiting Hong Kong for the first time, Aleksey Moskvites, export manager of confectionery manufacturing company SlaSti, said he hopes to find business partners through the event to bring the company's products to the local market.

"We are promoting protein bars in particular because we have noticed that many people like sports in the city, and it is a popular product," said Moskvites.