Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia is preparing for the First China International Import Expo too. As the roof organization representing interests of Russian business abroad, their position is that strategic partnership between Russia and China is of an essential importance. CGTN's Aljosa Milenkovic had opportunity to speak with Sergei Katyrin, the President of Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He shared with us his ideas on the future economic relations between the two countries.

SERGEI KATYRIN, PRESIDENT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION "We really expect a favorable future in relations with China on all levels including the economy. I think that this year we can surpass the 100 billion US dollars threshold in mutual trade. China for us is a strategic partner, the single biggest trade and economic partner when you are looking country by country. Besides those levels of trade which we've already reached, there is a number of directions which are promising for both the Chinese and Russian sides. We can say that recently some trade levels are increasing more than others. Particularly those in the area of selling Russian food products to China. In the first place those are ecologically clean products which are on high demand there. A number of shops in the border areas are quite successfully selling those products. You know, the Belt and Road is like in any other road, a two way street. It allows movement in both directions. That's why this project has integration value for the countries as well as for companies. It's truly working for the benefit of all and it can bring multiplying effects for both the Chinese side and also for those which are participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In this particular case, to the Russian side too."