International Interregional Cooperation: An Economy of Opportunities

The St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) hosted a panel discussion titled “International Interregional Cooperation: An Economy of Opportunities,” where participants explored the potential of city diplomacy in today’s geopolitical landscape.

Among the key speakers was Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations. He emphasized the growing significance of interregional ties in fostering new prospects for global collaboration.

“We have firmly secured our place among the world’s top ten largest local economies,” noted Cheremin. The Government of Moscow is channeling substantial investments into modernizing core infrastructure, transportation, construction, and advancing social services, education, and healthcare.

Moscow ranks as a leading city in international assessments. For instance, in the 2022 UN-Habitat Index, it claimed first place for transport infrastructure development and quality of life. According to Cheremin, this achievement would not have been possible without active international cooperation.

Moscow has introduced a framework for signing three-year cooperation programs, covering urban planning, transportation, social development, healthcare, culture, and digitalization. These initiatives have significantly strengthened foreign economic ties.

The city has also expanded its interregional partnerships through specialized commissions. For example, trade with Belarus surged from $2.5 billion to $21 billion, a result of collaboration not only with Minsk but also with other regions.

Cheremin highlighted successes with Chinese partners, including a 2023 delegation visit to Beijing and the signing of a cooperation agreement with Harbin. By May 2024, Moscow partnered with Harbin to organize a joint exhibition at the Russia-China EXPO, attended by leaders of both nations. The collaboration spans education, medicine, and beyond, establishing unique interregional ties in a short time.

A landmark visit to the Philippines yielded municipal dividends, with agreements signed in Manila and Cebu, the country’s second-largest city. The Philippines also participated in Moscow’s International Transport Summit.

“We will continue such cooperation not only with distant partners but also maintain pre-2022 crisis relations,” assured Cheremin.

Moscow is actively engaging African nations, including Algeria, where a cooperation program paves the way for joint transport projects.

Within the CIS, collaboration with Kazakhstan has flourished, with trade exceeding $8 billion. The “The Days of Moscow in Astana” event underscored the demand for such exchanges. Partnerships with Uzbekistan also remain strong, with frequent delegations from Tashkent.

Turkey is another key partner, with ties strengthening in Istanbul, Ankara, and, since last year, Antalya. City diplomacy helps overcome political barriers to cooperation.

Upcoming international events include the BRICS International Municipal Forum (August 27–28), expected to draw 5,000 delegates, including over 1,000 international participants. Moscow also plans to compete for the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize.