Russia – China: Horizons of Transport and Economic Cooperation

Fr om June 14 to 19, the international trade and economic exhibition-fair is held in the Chinese city of Langfang. During this period, a delegation of enterprises from the Arkhangelsk region, organized by the “Sozvezdie” association, is participating in the event. The business mission aims to strengthen business ties between regional companies and enterprises from the People’s Republic of China, present the potential of Pomorye, and discuss cooperation prospects with Chinese partners. The delegation includes members and partners of the “Sozvezdie” association: Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill JSC, Arkhangelsk Sea Commercial Port LLC, Malamut Trans LLC, Profmax LLC, and TK Severnoy Proekt LLC.

Representatives of Arkhangelsk companies actively engage in the business mission program, including B2B meetings with Chinese companies, attending the Langfang International Trade and Economic Fair, and the conference of the International Society of Logistics and Transport. Scheduled during the visit are negotiations at the Caofeidian port, a business meeting with representatives of Shandong Port Group, and additional business meetings in Beijing.

A key event in the visit program was the Russia-China round table on transport and logistics, held on June 16. The event’s purpose was to discuss conditions for establishing business relations, organizing maritime transport routes between the ports of Arkhangelsk and Hebei Province, and creating effective supply chains. The round table was moderated by Li Gang, Deputy Chairman and Secretary-General of the China Transport Association, and Sergey Smirnov, Director of the Arkhangelsk Region Shipbuilding Cluster and the “Sozvezdie” Oil and Gas Industry Suppliers Association. Dmitry Yurkov, the Governor’s Representative on Arctic Development, gave the welcome address on behalf of the Arkhangelsk delegation, highlighting the opportunities and potential of the Arkhangelsk transport hub. From the Chinese side, the Head of the Transport Department of Hebei Province, the Head of the Ports Group, and the President of the Logistics and Procurement Association of the same province spoke, emphasizing the integration of the two countries’ logistics systems.

Representatives of Arkhangelsk companies who took part in the round table included specialists from various business sectors of Pomorye, among them Elina Palyanova, Commercial Director of Arkhangelsk Sea Commercial Port LLC; Sergey Vohtomin, General Director of the Profmax Group; Oleg Ilatovsky, Deputy General Director for Logistics at Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill; Vitaly Osminin, Vessel Chartering Manager at TK Severnoy Proekt LLC; Olga Orlova, Senior Logistician at Malamut Trans LLC; and others. Chinese port industry experts also participated.

During the exchange of opinions, participants discussed the economic and logistical efficiency of new maritime routes, challenges faced by Northern Sea Route operators, as well as demand for products from the Arkhangelsk region’s forest industry. Special attention was paid to the particulars of transporting timber cargo from Arkhangelsk to Chinese ports and the specifics of international financial settlements. Company representatives on both sides presented their proposals and outlined ways to address existing challenges.

The round table resulted in identifying prospects for cooperation in areas such as shipping, port interaction, ship repair, trade, and finance. The event concluded with the signing of a memorandum of intent, confirming the parties’ commitment to deepen the partnership.

In their closing remarks, Sergey Smirnov and Li Xin, General Director of Jingying Group, expressed confidence in the success of future cooperation. They emphasized that developing maritime routes and supply chains between Russia and China opens new opportunities for economic growth and mutually beneficial collaboration, underlining the strategic role of both countries in the modern world.

Following the round table, Sergey Smirnov also took part in the official opening of the International Society of Logistics and Transport conference, wh ere he delivered a presentation on the Northern Sea Route and the investment potential of the Arkhangelsk region in the maritime sector.