The Delegation of the Government of Moscow Participated in the 8th Russia–China EXPO

The delegation of the Government of Moscow took part in the 8th Russia–China EXPO, held from May 17 to 21, 2024, as part of the Harbin International Trade and Economic Fair. This year, Moscow was honored to serve as Russia’s partner region at the event. The forum hosted a series of high-level meetings with investors, conferences, and negotiations aimed at enhancing cooperation between Moscow and various regions of China.

The Russia–China EXPO has firmly established itself as one of the leading trade and industrial platforms for fostering and diversifying partnerships between the two nations.

The opening ceremony was attended by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Vice President of the People’s Republic of China Han Zheng. During their tour of the exhibition, the distinguished guests visited Moscow’s stand, which showcased the city’s strategic initiatives in territorial development, economics, investment, urban planning, and transportation, as well as key projects in collaboration with Chinese regions.

Featured among the exhibits were major infrastructure projects implemented by Mosinzhproekt JSC, including the renovation of Luzhniki Stadium, the Irina Viner-Usmanova Gymnastics Palace, Zaryadye Park, and the Moscow Metro’s Big Circle Line. The Rublyovo-Arkhangelskoye project, a comprehensive urban development initiative in western Moscow, was also presented. This innovative district is poised to become the world’s largest sustainable urban environment, designed according to international green building standards and featuring advanced technologies in heating, energy supply, smart home systems, and eventually, artificial intelligence-based residential management.

Part of the exposition was dedicated to the first joint Russian-Chinese university, established by Moscow State University in partnership with the Beijing Polytechnic Institute. Located in Shenzhen, the institution represents a unique model of cross-border academic collaboration.

The stand also highlighted innovative solutions from companies such as Case Systems, Synergy University, and the Russian Geographical Society, as well as educational technologies and an electric river transport project by Sitronics Corporation. Special attention was given to the Moscow Zoo, which featured its famous pandas, Ruyi and Dingding, and a paw print from their cub Katyusha.

The Moscow pavilion illustrated the city’s investment and industrial potential, as well as its advancements in smart city technologies and industrial innovation. Moscow is a forward-thinking metropolis that embodies the principles of sustainable development, constantly striving to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Sergey Cheremin, head of the Moscow delegation, emphasized these points during his address at the 4th Russia–China Interregional Cooperation Forum and also participated as a keynote speaker at the Conference on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Russian and Chinese Regions.

The delegation also took part in the “Harbin–Shenzhen–Russian Cities” conference, organized by the People’s Government of Harbin. In his speech, the Minister of the Government of Moscow outlined the investment advantages of the Russian capital for Chinese partners, highlighting promising areas for collaboration, examples of Chinese business localization in Moscow, and the creation of joint technoparks.

Cheremin stressed Moscow’s appeal for Chinese investors, underscoring the city’s comprehensive support system for industrial enterprises, which includes more than 150 incentive measures. Today, over 50 technoparks operate in Moscow, many of which host residents with Chinese capital.

An economic conference titled “Moscow–Harbin” was also held at the Moscow stand, where both sides shared experiences in export strategy implementation and presented development projects in territorial planning, transportation infrastructure, and digital technology.

“Moscow maintains strong and mutually beneficial partnerships with numerous Chinese regions and cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and especially Harbin, with which Moscow shares historical and cultural ties. Harbin plays a unique role in this relationship—not only due to its proximity and shared past, but also because it serves as a vital logistics and transport hub for Russian trade flows into Northeast China. Strengthening cooperation with Harbin remains a strategic priority for us,” noted Cheremin during his remarks.

The two sides agreed to continue implementing the 2023–2026 Cooperation Program between the Moscow Government and the People’s Government of Harbin.

As part of the “The Days of Moscow in Harbin” and in celebration of the Russia–China Year of Culture, declared by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, a concert by the Moscow State Academic Dance Theatre “Gzhel” was held at the Grand Theatre of Harbin Province. The ensemble’s program aimed to convey the richness of Russian spiritual life and folk traditions through the art of dance, presenting vivid imagery and national character.

Additionally, the Conference on Cooperation Between the Business Communities of Moscow and Zhejiang brought together representatives of companies specializing in new IT solutions, artificial intelligence, urban systems, and creative industries.

Thanks to the joint efforts of Moscow and Zhejiang, more than 2,000 representatives from 190 Chinese companies—ranging from major industrial conglomerates to medium-sized innovative enterprises—participated in EXPO 2024. The events held during the EXPO underscored the shared commitment of Russia and China to strengthening their friendship and expanding mutually beneficial cooperation across all sectors.