Russian Ambassador to Malaysia Valery N. Yermolov said that trade exchange between Malaysia and Russia has reached US$3.3 billion last year, a 22 per cent growth.

Speaking during his visit to Malaysia Bernama news agency headquarters, the Russian Ambassador pointed out that the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by year-end during Malaysia's chairmanship will boost trade ties between Russia and the ASEAN countries particularly Malaysia by offering more possibilities for new projects.

Yermolov said the Russian-ASEAN Business Council has big plans in the pipeline to bring in prominent Russian businessmen to visit Malaysia at the end of August to further explore business opportunities, including in information and communications technology as well as nuclear and defence technology.

"The council wants to develop practical ties with Malaysia and I will do everything I can to enhance our trade relationship that reached US$3.3 billion last year, a 22 per cent growth, which we are very satisfied with," he said.

Russia's imports from Malaysia are dominated by chemical fertilisers and other chemical products, rolled metals and metal products.

Malaysia's exports to Russia consist of home electrical and electronics appliances, palm oil and palm oil products, plastics, cocoa powder and cocoa butter.