We begin Global Watch with the upcoming Eastern economic forum in Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Vladivostok from September 11th to 12th. This is at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. It will be the first time for a Chinese head of state to attend the forum. CGTN's Liu Yang reports.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a banquet and a number of events during the forum, covering trade, culture and education. He also will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and deliver a speech during the forum. That could boost already-robust economic ties.

ZHANG HANHUI, ASSISTANT MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF CHINA "From January to July, our bilateral trade volume reached 58.3 billion US dollars, up by 25.8 percent. China continues to be Russia's largest trading partner, our trade mix has been improving, and the trade quality and scale have been improved. Investment, energy, infrastructure, transportation, and aviation industries and other strategic projects are going smoothly."

Nine Chinese provincial leaders also will attend the forum. For China and Russia, it's a chance to re-emphasize their close friendship.

LIU YANG BEIJING "Over the years, the forum has become an important and popular venue for discussions between politicians, business executives and experts. This year, delegations from more than 60 countries will take part. A wide range of issues will be discussed such as energy cooperation, electronic China-Russia trade in the digital dimension, and educational development."

Trade between Russia and China has grown rapidly as the leaders of both countries have committed to advancing economic cooperation. To support business initiatives in the Russian Far East, Russia has established advanced special economic zones. These zones offer significant incentives to companies wishing to launch production facilities. Russia has also created a port area with a special customs and tax regime -- the Vladivostok Free Port. During the three-day forum, port infrastructure will be among the topics discussed by the experts and politicians.