A plate of the Filipino delicacy puto (steamed rice cake) is on display during a Filipino community activity in Russia. (Philippine embassy Facebook)

A Philippine delegation comprised of more than 150 companies will tag along President Rodrigo Duterte when he visits Russia from 1 to 5 October.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said the delegation will meet with their counterparts in line with Russia’s goal of expanding economic cooperation with the Philippines.

“The Philippines welcomes the interest of Russia to pursue economic cooperation engagements with the government and our business sector. We are optimistic that this good bilateral relationship between the two countries would drive investment, trade and jobs,” DTI secretary Ramon Lopez said.

In a meeting with Russian deputy minister of industry and trade Aleksey Gruzdev and Russian business executives on 25 September, Lopez opened opportunities for collaboration between the countries in industries pharmaceutical, medical and vehicle manufacturing.

Russian firms, on the other hand, have expressed interest in airport infrastructure, aviation, shipbuilding, railways, satellite navigation system, waste water management and power sectors.

Gruzdev, also the co-chair of the joint Russia-Philippines Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held Wednesday this week, said they were studying the government’s infrastructure program, “Build, Build, Build” to also diversify trade between the two countries.

Moreover, various business agreements are expected to be sealed during Duterte’s visit to Moscow, including the sale of local canned fish and coconut products, and the distributorship of lifestyle products and healthcare systems.

Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev said Russia is “committed to increase (the Philippines’) defense capabilities” through the supply of sophisticated arms, staff training and other possible forms of contribution to enhance the country’s defense industry.

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta (left) presents various Philippine coffee, cacao and tea products to Russian Tea and Coffee Association (Rusteacoffee) manager Alexandra Zakharova and president Ramaz Chantiriya (3rd and 4th from left). (Embassy photo)

Data from the DTI showed that bilateral trade between Russia and the Philippines amounted to $1.36 billion in 2018, or 0.74 percent of the Philippines’ total trade with the world.

Imports from Russia amounted to $1.26 billion. On the other hand, the country’s exports to Russia totaled $86.07 million, some $17.12 million of which were food products, including desiccated coconuts, other fruits, nuts and bananas were among the top food export products.

Gruzdev said Russia exported mostly mineral products, metal and metal products such as steel as well as electronic products.

Duterte’s second meeting with President Vladimir Putin in Russia follows his May 2017 visit that was cut short as he had to fly back home amid attacks by local terrorist groups in Marawi City.