China continues to deepen its cooperation with Russia, not only in traditional sectors but also in new technology. Russia is equipped with top-notch experts and scientists in many fields such as new energy, artificial intelligence and automation. CGTN's Cui Hui'ao visits one company in Guangzhou and tells us more.

Guangzhou-based company Ehang is one of China's leading drone makers. A technology-oriented enterprise that specializes in smart, high-efficiency aerial products, Ehang is now seeking cooperation with Russian partners in several areas.

HUNTER ZHANG VICE PRESIDENT, EHANG "Our cooperation will mostly focus on industry applications, namely pipeline inspection, gas detection, and laser mapping and modeling. Russia has a strong technological accumulation in these areas, but integrating it with UAV would be something completely different, which is what we've been discussing with our Russian partners."

Zhang says it was last year's China-Russia expo in Harbin that interested many Russian clients in Ehang's drone dispatching technology.

Later, it was facilitated by a Guangzhou organization that promotes scientific and technological cooperation between China and the Commonwealth of Independent States where Russia is a member.

For the past decade, the organization has promoted thousands of Russian projects. It has brought more than 500 experts from Russia to help Chinese companies in areas like new material, energy saving, and big data.

LIANG CHENGFA, DEPUTY SECREATY GENERAL GUANGDONG CIS INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION "The exchange actually goes both ways. Some Guangdong companies are looking to enter the Russian market with their products. And others are cooperating with Russian partners in energy projects such as hydropower development. It's a win-win situation for both."

CUI HUI'AO GUANGZHOU "Aside from traditional industries, China and Russia have been cooperating in new areas, particularly those that are expected to drive new growth for both countries, such as digital technology, automation and artificial intelligence."

Liang says traditionally when people think of Russian industries, the first thing that comes to mind is its military machinery, oil and gas. But he adds that few people know Russia also pioneers in new technology, with numerous talent in the field. Yet what Russia does not have is a market as big as China's, providing conditions to industrialize their scientific achievements.

LIANG CHENGFA, DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL GUANGDONG CIS INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL COOPERATION "We have long-standing partnerships with 23 research institutions in Russia, including the Russian National Academy of Sciences. Our offices in their facilities provide the latest info on Russian technological achievements. And we recommend relevant projects to Chinese companies in need."

Zhang estimates in just a few months his company and Russian partners will conduct a hardware test for the drones. Then they plan to form an initial solution for technology integration. He is confident that the drone market will be one area that will see fruitful results thanks to the partnership between China and Russia. Cui Hui'ao, CGTN, Guangzhou.