Within the framework of the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”, to be held in Kazan on 16-19 August 2026, experts, government officials and representatives of business associations will discuss the future growth of Russia-China trade, the development of interregional cooperation and new business opportunities in one of the world's largest markets.
Russia-China economic cooperation continues to demonstrate resilience and strong growth potential. In January-May 2026, bilateral trade increased by 22.9%, reaching $109.5 billion. These figures confirm the long-term upward trend in economic relations between the two countries, despite the temporary adjustment in trade volumes recorded in 2025.
A key topic of discussion will be the role of Russian regions in advancing bilateral cooperation. Particular attention will be given to the experience of the Republic of Tatarstan, which continues to rank among China's leading regional partners in Russia. In 2025, trade turnover between Tatarstan and China remained stable at $3.3 billion, reflecting the resilience of economic ties and the effectiveness of the established cooperation mechanisms.
Successful examples can also be found in other Russian regions. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Jewish Autonomous Region has been developing cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Liaoning Provincial Committee. Following the signing of a cooperation agreement, the partnership has evolved into regular business visits and practical joint initiatives. In 2026, the Saint-Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry acted as the operator of the Russia-China Business Forum "St. Petersburg – Regions of China: From Dialogue to Real Projects", which brought together more than 350 participants. The Chamber network has also established cooperation agreements with Chinese counterparts in the provinces of Yunnan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, as well as Shanghai and other regions.
Forum participants will examine opportunities to expand cooperation in mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, agriculture, industrial equipment, logistics, digital technologies and joint manufacturing projects. Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening direct ties between Russian regions and Chinese provinces, enabling companies to identify reliable partners more efficiently, enter new markets and establish sustainable industrial supply chains.
The discussions are expected to generate new initiatives aimed at strengthening interregional cooperation, expanding business contacts and improving the competitiveness of Russian companies in the Chinese market. Participants will also explore support mechanisms for exporters, practical tools for identifying trustworthy business partners as well as best practices for implementing joint investment projects.
"When it comes to working directly with China's provinces, I consider this approach not merely effective but practically indispensable. China's economy is highly regionalised. Each province has its own industrial specialisation, trade promotion institutions, business community, industrial parks and logistics capabilities. Therefore, region-to-province cooperation enables business companies to engage not with an abstract Chinese market, but with specific partners, production sites and supply chains", said Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation.
Media accreditation for the International Forum "SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" is open until 7 August via the link.
Participant registration for the Forum is available via the link.
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The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, economics, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum has reinforced its standing as a leading international platform by receiving the EFEA Awards and by being named both a laureate and a finalist of the prestigious Russian Event Awards international prize.
The operator for the preparation and hosting the “SPROUTS” Forum is the “Directorate of International Programmes”, ANO.
Official website of the “SPROUTS” Forum: https://russiachinaforum.com/en.
Russia-China economic cooperation continues to demonstrate resilience and strong growth potential. In January-May 2026, bilateral trade increased by 22.9%, reaching $109.5 billion. These figures confirm the long-term upward trend in economic relations between the two countries, despite the temporary adjustment in trade volumes recorded in 2025.
A key topic of discussion will be the role of Russian regions in advancing bilateral cooperation. Particular attention will be given to the experience of the Republic of Tatarstan, which continues to rank among China's leading regional partners in Russia. In 2025, trade turnover between Tatarstan and China remained stable at $3.3 billion, reflecting the resilience of economic ties and the effectiveness of the established cooperation mechanisms.
Successful examples can also be found in other Russian regions. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Jewish Autonomous Region has been developing cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Liaoning Provincial Committee. Following the signing of a cooperation agreement, the partnership has evolved into regular business visits and practical joint initiatives. In 2026, the Saint-Petersburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry acted as the operator of the Russia-China Business Forum "St. Petersburg – Regions of China: From Dialogue to Real Projects", which brought together more than 350 participants. The Chamber network has also established cooperation agreements with Chinese counterparts in the provinces of Yunnan, Jiangsu, Anhui, Zhejiang, as well as Shanghai and other regions.
Forum participants will examine opportunities to expand cooperation in mechanical engineering, petrochemicals, agriculture, industrial equipment, logistics, digital technologies and joint manufacturing projects. Special emphasis will be placed on strengthening direct ties between Russian regions and Chinese provinces, enabling companies to identify reliable partners more efficiently, enter new markets and establish sustainable industrial supply chains.
The discussions are expected to generate new initiatives aimed at strengthening interregional cooperation, expanding business contacts and improving the competitiveness of Russian companies in the Chinese market. Participants will also explore support mechanisms for exporters, practical tools for identifying trustworthy business partners as well as best practices for implementing joint investment projects.
"When it comes to working directly with China's provinces, I consider this approach not merely effective but practically indispensable. China's economy is highly regionalised. Each province has its own industrial specialisation, trade promotion institutions, business community, industrial parks and logistics capabilities. Therefore, region-to-province cooperation enables business companies to engage not with an abstract Chinese market, but with specific partners, production sites and supply chains", said Sergey Katyrin, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation.
Media accreditation for the International Forum "SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation" is open until 7 August via the link.
Participant registration for the Forum is available via the link.
*****
The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, economics, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum has reinforced its standing as a leading international platform by receiving the EFEA Awards and by being named both a laureate and a finalist of the prestigious Russian Event Awards international prize.
The operator for the preparation and hosting the “SPROUTS” Forum is the “Directorate of International Programmes”, ANO.
Official website of the “SPROUTS” Forum: https://russiachinaforum.com/en.