Results of the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”

The 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” successfully concluded. Its audience exceeded 10,000 people, with delegates from 37 countries, 68 Russian regions, and 29 subdivisions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) participating. The Forum featured 67 business sessions covering 19 areas: intergovernmental dialogue, agriculture, business, economics, law, investment, industry, business associations, transportation, international cooperation, youth entrepreneurship, media activities, information technology, education, culture, society, an exhibition opening area, a cross-cultural area, and the 1st Scientific and Business Symposium “Technologies for Healthcare.”

The platform brought together thousands of delegates representing the federal and regional government bodies, heads of major corporations, leaders of business associations, and leading experts from both countries. Among the key speakers at the Forum there were Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Babakov, Governor of the Kirov Region Aleksandr Sokolov, Governor of the Amur Region Vasily Orlov, Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia Zhou Liqun, and representatives of official delegations from Chinese provinces.

The central event of the Forum’s technology track was a discussion of the low-altitude economy. The session, chaired by the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Council of the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia Rustam Minnikhanov, featured an expert discussion on how unmanned aerial systems are changing industry, logistics, and the appearance of modern cities. The Head of the Republic emphasised that Tatarstan aims to become a key player in the field of domestic unmanned transport. The creation of a unified competence centre for the low-altitude economy will serve as the foundation for this technological breakthrough.

“By 2030, we plan to equip 35 Russian regions with unmanned aircraft infrastructure. In fact, we have already created this infrastructure in Tatarstan. Therefore, it can be considered a good platform for the further development of the low-altitude economy. We are also developing infrastructure in the Far East,” said the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan.

As part of the roundtable discussion “Chinese Business, Welcome to Tatarstan!”, the Ministry of Digitalization of Public Administration, Information Technologies, and Communications of the Republic of Tatarstan signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Industry Association.

Heads of relevant departments, academic researchers, leading surgeons, and manufacturers of advanced medical equipment from both countries participated in the 1st Scientific and Business Symposium “Russia – China: Technologies for Healthcare.” A key outcome of the meetings was the development of a strategy for jointly achieving technological sovereignty in healthcare, including the launch of AI projects in clinical practice and the localisation of high-tech production in the regions.

The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation presented the “Atlas of Russian-Chinese Investment Cooperation” at the SPROUTS Forum. It will serve as a step-by-step guide for Chinese investors on project launches, government support measures, and operating conditions in Russian regions. The Ministry of Economic Development and the Russian Direct Investment Fund developed the current document. It will soon be available on the website of the Russian Embassy in China and will be distributed through business associations and Russian-Chinese forums. It will also be integrated into the Ministry of Economic Development’s unified digital investment support system.

The SPROUTS Forum hosted the large-scale Russia-China Expo, covering 14,000 square metres. More than 130 companies exhibited, presenting their cutting-edge solutions in IT, manufacturing, and the agro-industrial complex. The debut of companies from new regions of China was a key event, expanding the geographic scope of their partnership.

The venue served as an effective B2B platform for presenting innovations and concluding direct contracts between businesses from both countries. Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Russian Federation, and Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, were among the guests of honour at the Opening Ceremony. They outlined the main vectors of strategic partnership for the coming years in their welcoming speeches.

“Chinese-Russian trade and economic cooperation is demonstrating steady growth. From January to July 2026, bilateral trade turnover reached US$159 billion. This exceeds the same period last year by 26%. It is quite possible that a new historical high will be set by the end of the year,” Zhang Hanhui emphasised.

The YCS Global Master Cup, an international professional championship for engineers and microelectronics specialists, was held in Tatarstan for the first time. The two-day intensive programme brought together approximately 100 of the most skilled professionals from 8 countries (China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, Russia, and the CIS countries). On the second day of the competition, after a live competition, a panel of expert judges determined the winners in two technological events:
– smartphone motherboard repair, won by Khamzat Turkaet;
– display glass replacement, won by Aziz Abdukarimov.

The multi-sensory interactive performance “Tatarstan – Territory of the Future” proved a popular venue due to the overwhelming interest from guests and participants. The 30-minute bilingual show immersed the audience in the region’s history through personal headphones featuring live performances, live music, and dancing. The highlight of the show was a “box of impressions” featuring local artifacts. The plot of the project has gone from the legend of Zilant and the fairy tales by Gabdulla Tukay to the secrets of the Tatar costume.

The Forum’s cultural and sports programme started with a vibrant national holiday “Chinese Sabantuy” and the spectacular Dragon Boat Race, which took place on the embankment of Lake Kaban near the new building of the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre. Guests of the capital city were treated to dynamic demonstrations by the Kazan Wushu Federation, colourful choreographic performances by the Kazan Chinese school “Tugan Yak”, traditional Tatar and Russian dances performed by artists from the renowned Saidash Dance Theatre, and vibrant vocal performances.

18 teams representing leading ministries, agencies, and enterprises of the Republic of Tatarstan competed for victory in the corporate Dragon Boat Race. Teams from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan, Megastroy, Eidos, the Khimgrad Technopolis, and other major regional organisations took part in the event.

Following the exciting races, the Megastroy team won the competition’s main trophy. Avtokama took silver, and the Setevaya Kompaniya (Network Company) team rounded out the top three.

The intellectual focal point of the Forum was the International Friendly Chess Tournament between teams from twinned and partner cities of Russia and China, bringing together participants from 45 Russian and 16 Chinese cities. The team from St. Petersburg won the trophy. Zhang Di from Beijing won the gold medal in the individual competition among the boys. Anastasia Shishkareva from St. Petersburg became a champion among the girls.

A table tennis area was featured at the Kazan Expo IEC, where the Forum guests participated in table tennis master classes with professional athletes.

As part of the Forum’s sports programme, the “Seasons” Cup in Chinese billiards K8 (Heyball) successfully concluded during the event. Artem Loboda, Master of Sports in Pool from Moscow, won the tournament and the gold medal. Chinese athlete Wang Liqun won the silver medal. The honourable third place was shared between Einar Zamaleev, Master of Sports of International Class in Russian Billiards, representing the Republic of Tatarstan, and Pan Jiaqing, representative of the People’s Republic of China.

The final second day of the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” in Kazan opened with a TASS business breakfast entitled “Russia-China: Routes of Cooperation through Tourism and Media”. Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency; Liu Hua, Deputy Director of the Xinhua Research Institute; and Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur Region, were among the key speakers.

“Tourism and media are at the forefront of economic development towards investment and have a multiplier effect on all industries. First comes regional recognition, information search, then business tourism, trade, and market share, and then investment,” emphasised Taliya Minullina.

The Plenary Session, “Developing Human Capital for Russia – China Trade and Economic Cooperation” brought together key representatives from Russia and China: Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan; Oksana Lut, Minister of Agriculture of the Russian Federation; Zhang Hanhui, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Russia; Aleksandr Babakov, Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation; Vasily Orlov, Governor of the Amur Region; Zhang Qixiang, Deputy Governor of Heilongjiang Province; and Zhou Liqun, Chairman of the Union of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Russia. Particular attention was paid to developing an effective system for training management and technical specialists for the implementation of joint projects.

“It is crucial that cooperation between Russia and China is based on professionals who possess both language skills and skills in high technology, logistics, investment planning, and intercultural communication. Tatarstan, with its developed education system and scientific school, sees its role as actively participating in the training of such personnel. We are ready to offer specific educational programmes and internships,” said Rustam Minnikhanov, the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The cultural programme centered on the Cross-Cultural Area, which concept metaphorically united the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Music, dance, wushu martial arts, folk crafts, and traditional costumes fully revealed the unique cultural codes of Russia, Tatarstan, and China. A unique exhibition of rare archival books from museum collections and an art exhibition of children’s paintings were of particular interest to visitors.

Furthermore, the Chinese Cinema Days were hosted during the Forum. The Mir Cinema screened three films: “Lifeguards”, “Answer to Eternity” and “Happy Little Submarine: Adventure with a Dragon.”

For the first time in Tatarstan, the Galiasgar Kamal Theatre hosted a triumphant Sichuan Opera performance with the programme called “Chuan Yun Dong Fang” (“Through the Clouds to the East”). The audience was able to witness live this ancient genre of Chinese theatre, renowned for its virtuoso stunts. The tour was organised as part of the humanitarian track of the Years of Russian and Chinese Culture. The creative visit not only introduced Kazan residents to authentic Eastern aesthetics but also laid the foundation for a partnership, which resulted in the signing of a cooperation agreement between the Galiasgar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre and the Sichuan Professional College of Arts.

A highlight of the Forum’s cultural programme was the international performance “Trace/Ez/岁轮”, presented by the anthropological theatre at the MOÑ venue. Preparations for the performance took place in both countries. The project brought together the Kazan-based Alif creative association and the Chinese Dalianshan Theatre Festival, who recreated the life cycles of the two nations through a unique choreographic language. In November, the production will be presented at the Xichang International Theatre Festival and will then be part of the creative association’s tour of China.

On 19 August, a tree planting ceremony was held at the Centre of Unique Craftsmanship. Azat Ziganshin, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Tatarstan; Taliya Minullina, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency; Ildar Shakirov, Deputy Head of the Kazan Executive Committee; Sheng Guofei, Deputy Chairman of the Russian-Chinese Chamber for the Promotion of Trade; Zhang Zhehao, Deputy Secretary General for International Relations of the Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Industry Association; and Ranko Tepavcevic, Director General of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organisation “Creative Industries Development Centre of the Republic of Tatarstan” were among the guests of honour. Three types of trees were planted during the ceremony, each representing a profound philosophical meaning and the cultural heritage of the two countries.

A big sightseeing tour and the “Evening Kazan” excursion were organised for the Forum guests. It revealed the rich historical and cultural heritage of the capital of Tatarstan. 35 delegates from China and 45 from Russia participated in the excursions.

9 industrial excursions to the key facilities in the Republic were organized for the Forum participants. 76 delegates visited the Republic’s leading industrial facilities. The guests also learned about the work of leading agricultural enterprises, as well as medical and educational centres.

On the sidelines of the Forum, 49 agreements were signed in the fields of high technology in agriculture, artificial intelligence, information cooperation, and strategic collaboration.
The business forum was covered by 298 media representatives, reaching 99.3 million people.

The International Forum SPROUTS once again confirmed its status as a key strategic platform for deepening Russian-Chinese cooperation. Harmoniously combining a large-scale business agenda with the centuries-old traditions of the two countries, the event created ideal conditions for direct intercultural dialogue, the exchange of experiences, and the emergence of new partnerships. The Forum’s programme has proven highly effective across all areas, from the conclusion of major investment agreements to the successful implementation of joint technological, sports, and cultural projects.

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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, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.

The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.

ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.

Official of the SPROUTS Forum.