Tech forum delegates have discussed joint efforts on trade, AI, cybersecurity, and innovation with RT

Russia and the Global South have been strengthening ties and expanding digital cooperation in light of new opportunities opened by Western sanctions, according to delegates attending the country's first Global Digital Forum this week.

The two-day event, which kicked off on Thursday in Nizhny Novgorod, brought together government officials, business leaders, and experts from more than 100 countries, including China, India, and some African nations. Some of them shared their views with RT on the sidelines of the forum, highlighting prospects for collaboration in areas such as trade, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technology transfer.

"China and Russia are strategic partners and good neighbors," said Zhou Liqun, chairman of the Chinese Entrepreneurs' Union in Russia.

He noted that bilateral trade reached $240 billion last year, with China remaining Russia's top food product partner for 15 consecutive years. "Even under sanctions, the number of Chinese companies in Russia is growing," Zhou said, adding "We see the trend of promising cooperation."

Sun Tianshu, founder of the China-Russian Platform, pointed out that "many opportunities in the (Russian) market [were] freed up" following the introduction of Western restrictions, allowing Chinese firms to step in.

"Trade between our countries has one tendency - growth," he said, stressing that past challenges, including payment issues, had been resolved. "Even if new problems appear, we will be able to solve them," he argued.

Indian cybersecurity expert Sunny Vaghela called for closer cooperation in the AI and cyber fields. "Russia is technologically advanced, and India is a hub of tech talent. Why not join hands to make AI and cyber a boom for both countries?" asked the CEO of Techdefence Labs. He added that some Russian companies were ready to come to India to collaborate.

African delegates voiced similar interest in digital partnerships, especially in sectors like agriculture, education, and information management.

"We came to learn how to bring AI and robotics home to help our people," said Tanzanian expert Henry Nkya. "Russia is using AI to boost productivity - we want to do the same."

His colleague Mawazo Mataje emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange. "We're looking at sharing skills, experiences, and cultural understanding between Russia and the Global South," he said.

Bangladeshi entrepreneur Mohammad Saber Shah described the event as "a truly encouraging experience," saying he had the chance to meet IT professionals "from around the globe."

"This forum acts as a bridge between us," helping identify gaps that can be filled through partnerships.

"Russia has long been a friend to Bangladesh - there's now real opportunity for digital collaboration," he said.

(RT.com)