VII Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Business Forum opens at the National Centre RUSSIA

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More than 800 representatives of Russian and Chinese businesses gathered at the National Centre RUSSIA to discuss new opportunities for cooperation, exchange experience and find partners. The forum focuses on innovation, digitalisation, investment and the development of promising industries, including artificial intelligence, agriculture, tourism and the creative industries.

The VII Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Business Forum "Path to Success" opened at the National Centre RUSSIA on 10 September. The two-day event brings together representatives of companies, government bodies and the expert community from Russia and China. The programme includes panel and in-depth discussions, B2B meetings and networking with investors, workshops led by industry leaders, presentations of the investment potential of Russian and Chinese regions, as well as visits to Russian enterprises. 

Participants were welcomed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Russian-Chinese Commission for the Preparation of Regular Meetings between Heads of Government, Dmitry Chernyshenko.

"Strengthening the comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction with China is a priority of Russia's foreign and trade and economic policy. This course is consistent and long-term and serves the goal of strengthening equal and mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation. Intensive dialogue between the heads of state — the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping — plays a central role in advancing the full range of relations between our two countries," said Dmitry Chernyshenko. 

The Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Marat Khusnullin, wished the forum participants productive work, positive energy and new successful projects. He emphasised the importance of Russia-China cooperation within the national project "Infrastructure for Life", which brings together projects aimed at developing regions, cities and communities. He also added that China's experience in construction, creating modern urban environments and transport and engineering infrastructure, and improving people's quality of life is extremely valuable for Russia. Marat Khusnullin highlighted transport infrastructure, artificial intelligence and information technology as promising areas of Russia-China cooperation.

"Relations should develop at several levels: between states, major state-owned companies, regions and, of course, businesses. Chinese companies are actively involved in projects being implemented in Russia across all sectors of the economy. We are interested in the active participation of small and medium enterprises: they are the quickest to establish new ties and launch joint initiatives. Combined Russian and Chinese expertise can create infrastructure that will support the development of our countries for many years," Marat Khusnullin stressed. 

Boris Titov, Chairman of the Russian side of the Russia-China Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for Relations with International Organisations to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals, noted in turn that ties between the two countries are particularly strong today.

"The Russia-China partnership has stood the test of time and is now developing at the level set by the leaders of our countries, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. The economic results are impressive: over eight months, trade exceeded $185 billion, up 28% compared with the same period last year. But most importantly, cooperation is going beyond trade. More than 15,500 companies with Chinese founders or co-founders operate in Russia, while production localisation and industrial cooperation are developing rapidly. All this creates a solid foundation for moving forward — towards a new level of Russia-China business partnership," Boris Titov said. 

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly Ivan Melnikov also spoke about Russia-China cooperation and prospects for its further development: "Trade between Russia and China is growing, with settlements now conducted almost entirely in national currencies. This is a significant result, but it does not exhaust the potential of our partnership. Today, it is important not simply to increase mutual supplies, but to create sustainable production chains, joint ventures and technological solutions in artificial intelligence, the digital economy, industrial equipment, biotechnology and modern agriculture. Russia and China have the political will of their leaders, a solid legal framework, complementary economies and a wealth of trust built up over decades. Our shared task is to turn this potential into concrete action, new projects and long-term growth for the benefit of the peoples of both countries." 

Li Hongzhong, Chairman of the Chinese side of the Russia-China Committee for Friendship, Peace and Development, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, took part in the plenary session. He noted that in recent years, under the strategic leadership of President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin, China-Russia relations have reached the level of a comprehensive partnership and strategic interaction and continue to develop at a high level. According to him, political mutual trust is strengthening, practical cooperation is advancing steadily, humanitarian, cultural and interregional exchanges are developing actively, and the results of friendly cooperation are already bringing tangible benefits to the peoples of both countries.

"Steadily advancing the long-term, healthy, stable and high-quality development of China-Russia relations is a strategic choice made by both sides in view of the fundamental interests of the two countries and the overall trend of global development. The Chinese side is ready to work together with the Russian side, guided by the important agreements reached by the heads of state, to take our relations to a new level characterised by higher quality, faster development and greater effectiveness," Li Hongzhong noted. 

His remarks underscored the commitment of both the Russian and Chinese sides to further strengthening their strategic partnership and developing practical cooperation, including business and interregional ties.

Following the opening ceremony and plenary session, participants began work in thematic sections. To learn more about the latest technological achievements of all regions of Russia, as well as the country's rich history and cultural traditions, the Chinese delegation visited the interactive "Journey Across Russia" exposition and tour at the National Centre RUSSIA. 

The programme for the first day includes discussions on digital technologies and artificial intelligence, joint projects in AI and digital platforms, digital sovereignty and technology transfer. Experts will also focus on the investment potential of Russian and Chinese regions, state support measures and opportunities for implementing joint projects, as well as business education and management training. 

Representatives of Russian and Chinese businesses will also discuss practical aspects of developing business in Russia, including localisation, finding partners, settlements and financing. The programme includes workshops, business networking and opportunities to establish new partnerships.

The VII Russia-China Small and Medium Enterprises Business Forum "Path to Success" at the National Centre RUSSIA will continue on 11 September. On the second day, participants will discuss the development of tourism and the hotel and restaurant sector, the creative industries, e-commerce and marketplaces, as well as the latest technologies in agriculture.