Among the topics for discussion at the First International Transport and Logistics Forum in St. Petersburg on 1–3 April 2026 will be joint approaches to the development of legislation of unmanned and digital technologies. The announcement was made by Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation Andrei Nikitin on the sidelines of the 8th Meeting of the Russian–Brazilian High-Level Commission on Cooperation, where he emphasized the growing interest of the Brazilian side in Russia’s experience in maritime transport, digitalization, aviation, railways, and unmanned technologies. The event was held as part of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin’s visit to Brazil.
Russia is a global leader in unmanned technologies and is eager to share its experience with its Brazilian counterparts, particularly in launching and operating drones for agriculture, driverless trains, trucks, taxis, and delivery rovers. “Russian legislation in this area is among the most advanced in the world. We understand that our Brazilian colleagues will actively develop this area. We are ready to share our developments and are trying to integrate our legislation into the BRICS framework so that it is consistent,” the Minister stated. At the International Transport and Logistics Forum, the parties plan to develop common approaches to regulation. Several events will be held on the sidelines of the Forum to discuss technology projects in communications and navigation for BRICS, as well as the use of autonomous vehicles for the development of international transport routes.
The Minister noted that cooperation in the maritime sector is already picking up pace, with shipments reaching 16 million tonnes last year. The range of goods being transported is also expanding. One potential new project is the launch of a direct container service between St. Petersburg and Brazilian ports, which will make it possible to transport additional freight volumes within convenient timeframes.
An important step for increasing maritime volumes is the creation of favourable conditions for shipping, including reducing port fees. A particularly important issue for the Russian maritime industry is the recognition of insurance documents issued by Russian insurers and reinsurers and the creation of protection and indemnity clubs, including within BRICS.
Russia will also continue its active cooperation at international platforms (the International Maritime Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization), where issues of a unified logistics platform are being developed.
Brazil is interested in studying Russia’s experience in high-speed railway construction, especially given the unique climatic conditions in which the project is being implemented in Russia.
Resuming air travel between the two countries continues to be an important step. One possibility that is being discussed is having Brazilian airlines operate flights, with the necessary facilities for access to Russian airports and transit services. Topics for discussion will include the coordination of the dialogue on aviation standards, flight safety, and cross-border transportation as part of the activities of the BRICS Extended Advisory Council on Civil Aviation, which will meet in April as part of the International Transport and Logistics Forum.
The parties are considering cooperation in the export of transport infrastructure technologies, the exchange of existing knowhow, and transport education. Russian transport universities are ready to participate in training personnel for the implementation of joint projects.
Andrei Nikitin also held working meetings with representatives of Brazilian transport agencies. Following the talks, the Russian side presented a draft transport cooperation plan, which will consolidate the agreements reached and outline practical steps for their implementation.
The First International Transport and Logistics Forum will take place in St. Petersburg on 1–3 April 2026 and will be the biggest industry-focused event in Russia. It will bring together government representatives, business leaders, and international partners for an open and constructive dialogue and to develop practical solutions for the development of the transport sector in Russia and Eurasia.
The Forum is organized by the Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation, with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The Roscongress Foundation will serve as the operator of the event.
More information is available on the First International Transport and Logistics Forum website: transport-forum.org/index-en.html.
Source: Mintrans
