In recent years, the world has witnessed changes in global energy policy, and Russia, as one of the leading players in the energy market, continues to actively seek new export markets. The ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region could become one of the most promising markets. Maksim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, recently noted the high potential for increasing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies to countries in this region.

According to forecasts, energy consumption in ASEAN countries could increase 2.6-fold by 2050. This opens up new opportunities for Russia, which possesses significant natural gas reserves. The increase in energy consumption in Southeast Asia is linked to population growth, economic development, and rising living standards. Under these conditions, countries in the region will need reliable energy sources.

Russia has extensive experience supplying LNG to international markets. Reshetnikov noted that ASEAN countries are already purchasing significant volumes of Russian fossil fuels, oil, and gas, which attests to well-established trade ties.

However, for the successful export of “blue fuel” to ASEAN, the parties need to develop the necessary infrastructure. Russia is interested in creating logistics chains that will enable the efficient delivery of liquefied gas to countries in the region, including the construction of new terminals for gas liquefaction and storage.

Trade between Russia and the ASEAN countries has grown to $21 billion over the past ten years, and imports from those countries have increased by 70%.