China-Russia Expo: Five-day event highlights growing cooperation, new opportunities
Updated 17:27, 09-Jul-2019
The sixth China-Russia Expo has opened in Harbin, capital of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. This year, the fair features a record number of Russian booths. CGTN's Feng Yilei takes a look.
China and Russia are gearing up for deeper economic and trade ties at the annual China-Russia Expo.
This year's expo is being held in Harbin and serves as an important platform for over 1,700 companies from 74 countries and regions. And, it emphasizes the kind of local cooperation that can generate future potential.
WANG QISHAN CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT "The Expo and regional cooperation forum enhances mutual understanding and trust at all levels. We expect your joint efforts will drive regional collaboration and enrich our comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era."
During meetings held alongside the expo, representatives from both sides will exchange opinions and are set to reach certain agreements on issues. These vary from simplifying custom procedures, technology transfer, taxing and financing.
MAXIM AKIMOV RUSSIAN VICE PREMIER "We have two imperative tasks - to improve our business environment and logistics transportation. This will take our bilateral trade volume to new heights and make more profits for the region."
FENG YILEI HARBIN "In the next few days, business representatives and the general public can freely walk through the venue to get a better understanding of achievements made in all sectors and to seek new business opportunities with their neighboring partners."
Key projects between the two countries, including jointly-developed CR929 passenger aircraft, high-speed railway, and the construction of two cross-border bridges, remain the main focus of participants.
MA LI, MAYOR HEIHE, HEILONGJIANG PROVINCE "Our exhibition mainly promotes the Heihe-Blagoveshchensk highway bridge that is expected to further open us up to exchanges. You can see that the twin cities on both sides are planning to build more economic cluster together to develop cross-border e-commerce, cultural industries and more."
Meanwhile, growth in booming sectors like new vehicles, modern agriculture and intelligent appliances are also attracing wide interest.
ANATOLY SAGAKON, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR CHELYABINSK ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT PLANT "Many firms have shown an interest in our products. With confidence in our cost-efficiency and independent development abilities,we would like to learn about the Chinese market and seek a partner to expand our business."
With global demand, resources, technology and capital flow together at this grand China-Russia gathering, many believe the expo will also be a positive stimulus for the Belt and Road initiative and the Eurasian Economic Union. Feng Yilei, CGTN, Harbin.