2026.08.04 Russia Eyes East and Southeast Asia for Creative Services Export
Russia Eyes East and Southeast Asia for Creative Services Export
Ekaterina Kondakova, head of the service export support program at the Russian Export Center, told RIA Novosti that East and Southeast Asian countries hold huge potential for expanding Russia's creative services exports. She identified China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia as the most promising markets for Russian creative companies, noting that these regions have large, young populations well suited to promoting cultural content in innovative ways. The executive also said these areas are ideal for new-format cultural content distribution, which may drive demand for digital media and other creative offerings. For cross-border sellers, this suggests growing opportunities for partnerships in creative content, digital marketing, and cultural products across Southeast Asia, as Russia ramps up its export drive in the region.
Russia to Send Delegation to Indonesia's Creative Economy Conference
Kondakova also revealed that Indonesia will host a Creative Economy Conference this year, and Russia plans to assemble a large delegation of creative entrepreneurs to take part. This initiative reflects Russia's strategic push to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia's creative industries and explore business opportunities in the region. For cross-border sellers, the conference represents a valuable venue for networking, discovering regional demand, and meeting potential partners from Indonesia and neighboring countries. With Indonesia's large young population and rapidly growing digital economy, participation in such events could help sellers gain early insights into local preferences and regulatory trends, allowing them to adapt their products and marketing strategies accordingly.
Apple Pay Officially Launches in the Philippines
On August 4, Apple announced the official launch of Apple Pay in the Philippines, supporting eligible devices such as iPhone, Apple Watch, and others. Initial partner banks include BDO, Metrobank, and more, with users required to link qualifying Philippine-issued bank cards. Transactions will operate under local financial regulatory frameworks. The launch extends Apple's digital payment ecosystem in Southeast Asia and improves contactless payment options for Filipino consumers. For cross-border sellers, integrating Apple Pay into their e-commerce channels could reduce payment friction and increase cart conversion rates, especially among younger, tech-savvy shoppers. This development also signals growing digital payment adoption in the Philippines, encouraging sellers to optimize mobile checkout experiences.
Thailand Pushes Joint Liability for E-Commerce Platforms
Supama, head of the Thailand Consumer Protection Commission Office (OCPC), said on August 1 that the agency is advancing a new e-commerce platform governance policy. The plan involves revising laws to require platforms to bear joint liability for consumer losses caused by illegal products. Supama stressed that platforms cannot act merely as "rent-collecting middlemen"; since they profit from transaction commissions, they should share responsibility with sellers. This marks a regulatory shift in Thailand from targeting sellers alone to pursuing both platforms and sellers. For cross-border sellers, the development means platforms will likely enforce stricter listing reviews and product compliance checks. Sellers must ensure their goods meet Thai regulations and quality standards to avoid account penalties or legal risks.