Business programme
20.05.2025
09:30–11:00

Russia–Asia: Legal Mechanisms as a Driver of Multilateral Cooperation and Strategic Partnership

Congress Centre, conference hall B4 (2nd floor)
International Law in a Changing World
Broadcast
Russian-Chinese trade turnover increased by 23% to an all-time record of more than USD 240 billion in 2023. It increased by 1.9% in 2024 compared with 2023 and set another record of USD 244.81 billion. More than 90% of mutual settlements are conducted in national currencies, primarily in Chinese yuan. As of today, 86 projects worth a total of RUB 18 trillion are being implemented in the raw materials, agriculture, and automotive industries, the production of household appliances, and the construction of transport and logistics infrastructure as part of the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission. The portfolio of investment projects of the Russian-Chinese Intergovernmental Commission continues to expand. Russia and India, for their part, intend to maintain dynamic growth trends in trade turnover and achieve a substantial increase in bilateral trade by 2030. Positive trends are also being seen in relations with other BRICS countries. To achieve the goals that have been set, favourable conditions need to be created and maintained in order to realize the economic and investment potential of countries. How effective are legal mechanisms in the development of multilateral cooperation? What measures could enhance such effectiveness? What needs to be done to improve legal support in an effort to increase cross-border investment and trade cooperation?

Moderator

Rustem Akhmetshin
Senior Partner, Head of Tax Practice, Pepeliaev Group

Panellists

Alexander Alekseenko
Associate Professor of the Department of Commercial Law, Scientific Director of the Program "Jurisprudence with In-Depth Study of the Chinese Language and Law of the PRC", St. Petersburg University
Assel Ilyassova
Partner, GRATA International Law Firm
Mikhail Kazantsev
Partner, Head of Practice for Government Relations and Subsoil Use, EPAM Law
Sammy Kotwani
President, Indian Business Alliance (IBA)
Li Jie
Partner, Fangda Partners Law Firm

Broadcast

Rustem Akhmetshin
Senior Partner, Head of Tax Practice, Pepeliaev Group
Alexander Alekseenko
Associate Professor of the Department of Commercial Law, Scientific Director of the Program "Jurisprudence with In-Depth Study of the Chinese Language and Law of the PRC", St. Petersburg University
Assel Ilyassova
Partner, GRATA International Law Firm
Mikhail Kazantsev
Partner, Head of Practice for Government Relations and Subsoil Use, EPAM Law
Sammy Kotwani
President, Indian Business Alliance (IBA)
Name: Manoj Dhalumal Kotwani (Sammy Kotwani)
Date of birth: 05/11/1969 (51 years)
Birth Place & Residence : Mumbai (Republic of India) & citizen of the Russian Federation
Position:
- Owner of the company « The Imperial Tailoring Co. »
- President of the non-profit partnership Indian Business Alliance (IBA)
- President of Overseas Friendship of BJP
- President of non- profit organization The Indian National Culture Center SITA
Education:
- 1988 - Sasmira Institute of Textile of Mumbai University (Institute of Textiles at the University of Mumbai).
- 1993 - English Tailor & Cutter Academy (Institute of Silk) in London (UK).
Specialty :
- “An Engineer - Technologist"
- Top 10 living Tailors since 2007
Over the years:
- In 1988, Sammy (Manoj) Kotwani started working in the family business, in 1990, he came to Moscow and engaged in entrepreneurial activity. In 1994 - he opened the company «The Imperial Tailoring» (The Imperial Tailoring Co). Currently, the company's customers include the Presidents of independent states; diplomats; prominent Russian and foreign public and political figures; representatives of the "business community"; culture and art; pop and show business stars.
- In 2009 the company "The Imperial Tailoring" was awarded by a Russian Award. "Company of the Year".
- In 2008, Sammy (Manoj) Kotwani was elected the President of The Indian Business Alliance (IBA) (Indian Business Alliance). He is leading significant public work, promoting the development of mutually beneficial cooperation thus helping in creation of a favorable investment climate between Russia and India. Organizes and holds an annual forum "Russia-India Business Dialogue" (with the participation of the CCI RF ), National Indian festivals such as "Spring Festival" (Holi Mela) and "Indian New Year" (of Diwali), which are important events in the cultural life of the Indian community in Russia.
- In 2008, Sammy (Manoj) Kotwani is the Winner of the "Person of the Year" premium in the nomination "For contribution to the development of international cooperation."
- In 2014 PRESIDENT OF RUSSIA OFBJP (OVERSEAS FRIENDS OF BJP RUSSIA) (the political organization of foreign friends Indian People's Party). Head of Delegation of Indian People's Party (BJP) in the CIS.
- Invited twice for the Swearing-in ceremony of Narendra Modi in 2014 & 2017
- In 2016 started The Indian National Culture Center “SITA” which is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor, promote and engage the beautiful Indian culture and heritage with the local Russians, foreigners and Indians in Russia. SITA organizes various large Indian events such as India day which had over 1.2 million attendees in 3 days
- Member of the expert advice of legislative (representative) and executive bodies of the federal government.
- Vice-President of "the All-Russian public organization to promote the protection of workers' rights" Russia - our home "(created with the support of the Presidential Administration).
- Member of the Presidium of the All-Russian public organization "Federation of Migrants of Russia" (FMR) (FMR information posted on the website hhtp //: www.fmr.su).
Family : Married, has three daughters.
Li Jie
Partner, Fangda Partners Law Firm
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