‍The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia is preparing for the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). As the umbrella organization representing the interests of Russian businesses abroad, it maintains that the strategic partnership between China and Russia is essential.

President of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Sergei Katyrin said he was expecting a favorable future for relations with China at all levels including the economy.

"I think that this year we can surpass the 100 billion US dollar threshold in mutual trade. China for us is a strategic partner, the single biggest trade and economic partner," he said.

Katyrin pointed out that China and Russia's trade ties were increasing, particularly for businesses selling Russian food products to China.

"First, those are ecologically clean products which are in high demand. A number of shops in the border areas are quite successfully selling those products," he said.

Meanwhile, Katyrin expressed gratitude to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which he said allowed movement in both directions. This explains why the project has an integration value for countries as well as 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 participating in the Belt and Road Initiative. In this particular case, to the Russian side too," he added.