Moscow and Beijing Expand Trade and Economic Cooperation

On June 9, Moscow’s Situation Center hosted a roundtable focused on trade and economic collaboration between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China. The event was organized by the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow.

The roundtable was part of the official visit by a Beijing delegation, held in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Agreement on the Establishment of Friendly Relations between the two capitals. The delegation was led by Xia Linmao, First Deputy Mayor of Beijing.

During the discussion, participants explored key areas of cooperation, including automotive manufacturing, electronic equipment and software production, biopharmaceuticals, banking and energy sectors, logistics, urban digitalization, and infrastructure development. The event brought together representatives of leading Russian and Chinese companies operating in these industries.

Opening the meeting, Sergey Cheremin, Minister of the Government of Moscow, Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations, emphasized that cooperation between Moscow and Beijing continues to show steady, positive momentum and delivers tangible economic results.
“In 2024, China retained its position as Moscow’s top foreign trade partner. Trade between companies registered in Moscow and Chinese firms grew by 11.4%, reaching USD 104.7 billion,” noted Sergey Cheremin.

He placed particular emphasis on the prospects for bilateral cooperation in high technology, digital governance, logistics, and the implementation of smart city solutions, including the development of autonomous transport and the use of artificial intelligence. Priority areas also include healthcare—especially the exchange of expertise between clinics and the joint production of medical equipment—as well as industrial collaboration in biopharmaceuticals and energy.
“Moscow and Beijing are partner cities, united by shared interests and a common aspiration for prosperity. It is business that gives our cooperation substance, creating new opportunities for growth and sustainable development,” Cheremin stated.

The roundtable served as an important platform for business dialogue and reaffirmed the high level of trust and mutual interest in further strengthening the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing.