Heilongjiang beefs up cooperation with Russian frontiers

China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province will deepen economic and trade cooperation with the frontier regions of Russia, according to information released from a roundtable meeting held in Harbin New Zone in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang, on Nov 25.

Around 100 representatives gathered in Harbin to discuss deepening regional cooperation between China and Russia.

On the agenda were discussions about strengthening match-making between Vladivostok Free Port with Harbin New Area and China Heilongjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, as well as enhancing cooperation among the small and middle-sized enterprises from the frontier regions of the two countries.

Attending the talks were business representatives, academics and experts from the Primorye Territory and Khabarovsk Territory of Russia, Harbin New Zone – as well as the Harbin, Suifenhe and Heihe areas of the China Heilongjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone.

The round table meeting featured the signing of a project to construct a Russian culture park in the Songbei district of Harbin, which will receive an investment of 3 billion yuan ($462.8 million).

Also on the table, was a framework agreement on establishing a Russian commodities platform in the Harbin area of China Heilongjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, which was signed between the Heilongjiang Province-Russia Economic and Trade Federation and the Russia Export Center.

In addition, the Harbin New Area and Russia's Primorye Export Center reached consensus on the establishment of representative offices and the construction of the Russian National Pavilion in Harbin, to display and promote the sales of Russian commodities.

The two sides also conducted in-depth discussions on a plan to a Russian Commodity Import Expo in the Harbin New Zone.