The sixth meeting of the Russian‑Chinese Working Group on Interregional and Cross‑Border Cooperation and Special Economic Zones took place at RFTA.
The session was co‑chaired by Vladimir Ilyichev, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, and Lin Ji, Deputy Minister of Commerce and Deputy Representative of the People's Republic of China at International Trade Negotiations.
The parties reviewed the implementation of the Plan for Russian‑Chinese Economic Cooperation until 2030, which was approved at the highest level in October 2023. Several key provisions of the document have already been fully implemented. Among them are the launch of an ammonia and urea production complex in the Tula Region and the signing of an updated Agreement between the governments of the two countries on the promotion and mutual protection of investments.
Particular attention at the meeting was devoted to the development of interregional ties. The overwhelming majority of Russian regions support trade and economic cooperation with China. Over 120 agreements have been registered between Russian regions and Chinese provinces, covering trade, economic, humanitarian, and scientific‑technical areas. A list of 89 joint investment projects has been approved. Notable examples include the construction of the Nizhneleninskoye–Tongjiang cross‑border railway bridge in the Jewish Autonomous Region and the promising «New Land Grain Corridor Russia‑China» project.
«This year, the commissioning of major facilities in the Amur Region is expected: the Amur Gas Chemical Plant and a cross‑border cable‑stayed bridge across the Amur River between Blagoveshchensk and Heihe», — said Vladimir Ilyichev.
Tourism flows are also demonstrating substantial growth. By the end of 2025, the number of trips from China had increased by 17 % compared to 2024, reaching 3.3 million. In the first quarter of 2026, the tourist flow exceeded 800 000 trips — an increase of nearly 50 % compared to the same period last year.
«This growth is the result of the mutual abolition of visa requirements. We look forward to further joint efforts to establish a long‑term visa‑free regime for tourist travel», — Vladimir Ilyichev emphasized.
The meeting brought together representatives from Moscow, the Primorsky Territory, and the Arkhangelsk and Tomsk regions, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Transport, the Federal Customs Service, and the Russian Export Center. During the session, the delegates discussed a broad range of issues, including cooperation within special economic zones, logistics, checkpoint operations, and the role of exhibition platforms.
In conclusion, Vladimir Ilyichev invited his Chinese counterparts to participate in the Eastern Economic Forum, scheduled for September in Vladivostok, as well as in the International Municipal Forum in Moscow later this year.
