The national electronic currency was unveiled by the central bank in late 2020 and became operational this month The newly launched digital Russian ruble could help Moscow conduct foreign trade in the face of Western sanctions, a high-profile Russian economist has suggested. The electronic currency officially became operational on August 1.

Sales to foreign customers are expected to be down significantly for the second consecutive year, RBK reports Exports of Russian piped gas will decline this year by as much as 34% on the year before, business daily RBK reported on Monday, citing the latest projections issued by strategy consultancy Yakov & Partners.

Economic relations between the two countries have been on upward curve, according to Dmitry Dogadkin Moscow has proposed to Doha a switch to the use of national currencies in trade settlements, Russian Ambassador to Qatar Dmitry Dogadkin has said, adding that the sides are already working on the idea.