Qiao Xiaochun, Professor at the Population Research Institute at Peking University and the School of Political Science and Social Sciences at Shandong University, spoke highly of Russia's measure to support the birth rate, namely the payment of maternity capital. He told reporters about this during the III International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”.
According to him, the state plays a very important role in improving the demographic situation. He said that the authorities of the People's Republic of China began working to increase the birth rate in 2020. Positive changes appeared in 2024.
“Stimulating the birth rate is a new practice and direction for us. Previously, as we know, the birth rate in China was restricted. This creates certain difficulties in addressing this issue,” noted Qiao Xiaochun.
In particular, professor said that economic factors play a role—many families are reluctant to have a second child because they are not sure they can afford it. Here, the state can help families overcome their fears. In addition, China pays attention to the reproductive health of the population, support for preschool and school education, and so on.
“The main thing is a unity and bringing demographic issues to the level of state programs,” emphasized Qiao Xiaochun.
According to professor, there are many interesting practices in Tatarstan that can be learned from. Elmira Zaripova, Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan, said that federal and regional measures to support larger families are being implemented in the republic, including as part of the “Family” national project, which is a continuation of the “Demography” national project. In particular, large families are given a 30% discount on housing and utility services, and low-income families receive 100% compensation for kindergarten fees. There are also targeted measures: low-income families are allocated up to 10,000 rubles per year for medicines until the child reaches the age of 3.
“We will keep improving measures to support large families because our goal is to reduce poverty among large families, not simply increase their numbers,” underlined Elmira Zaripova.
Minister noted that in 2013, there were just over 24,000 large families living in the region, and in 2025, their number reached 58,800. “This means that families see prospects for their development and life horizons and make reproductive decisions to have not just one, but at least three children,” she noted.
Olesya Feoktistova, Head of the Financial Center for the Social Sphere at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Financial Institute of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation”, gave a positive assessment of the work being done in Tatarstan to support families. A survey conducted by the institute showed that factors such as stable employment, high salaries, availability of housing, and so on influence the decision to have a child.
“The state and the Republic of Tatarstan in particular are investing enormous resources to provide maximum support to families with children who need it. According to the figures I am aware of, Tatarstan is the leader in terms of both spending on these goals and the right political and managerial decisions,” noted Olesya Feoktistova.
At the same time, she said that financial support measures are merely one of the factors in solving demographic problems. It is necessary to take comprehensive action in various areas.
Elmira Zaripova stressed the importance of moral values. It is necessary to ensure that young people are not faced with the choice between building a career or starting a family. This objective needs to be addressed in both Russia and China.
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The Third International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on August 18-19. Participants from 32 countries, 59 regions of Russia, and 24 administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China have registered for the forum. Eleven government delegations and at least 200 Chinese corporations are expected to attend. Approximately 10,000 people will participate in the forum.
The business program covers areas such as inter-state dialogue, economics, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction. The program features around 100 events, including 70 business sessions. Around 20 agreements are planned to be signed at the forum.
ANPO Directorate of International Programmes is the operator responsible for preparing and holding the SPROUTS Forum.
Official website of the SPROUTS Forum: https://russiachinaforum.com
According to him, the state plays a very important role in improving the demographic situation. He said that the authorities of the People's Republic of China began working to increase the birth rate in 2020. Positive changes appeared in 2024.
“Stimulating the birth rate is a new practice and direction for us. Previously, as we know, the birth rate in China was restricted. This creates certain difficulties in addressing this issue,” noted Qiao Xiaochun.
In particular, professor said that economic factors play a role—many families are reluctant to have a second child because they are not sure they can afford it. Here, the state can help families overcome their fears. In addition, China pays attention to the reproductive health of the population, support for preschool and school education, and so on.
“The main thing is a unity and bringing demographic issues to the level of state programs,” emphasized Qiao Xiaochun.
According to professor, there are many interesting practices in Tatarstan that can be learned from. Elmira Zaripova, Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan, said that federal and regional measures to support larger families are being implemented in the republic, including as part of the “Family” national project, which is a continuation of the “Demography” national project. In particular, large families are given a 30% discount on housing and utility services, and low-income families receive 100% compensation for kindergarten fees. There are also targeted measures: low-income families are allocated up to 10,000 rubles per year for medicines until the child reaches the age of 3.
“We will keep improving measures to support large families because our goal is to reduce poverty among large families, not simply increase their numbers,” underlined Elmira Zaripova.
Minister noted that in 2013, there were just over 24,000 large families living in the region, and in 2025, their number reached 58,800. “This means that families see prospects for their development and life horizons and make reproductive decisions to have not just one, but at least three children,” she noted.
Olesya Feoktistova, Head of the Financial Center for the Social Sphere at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Research Financial Institute of the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation”, gave a positive assessment of the work being done in Tatarstan to support families. A survey conducted by the institute showed that factors such as stable employment, high salaries, availability of housing, and so on influence the decision to have a child.
“The state and the Republic of Tatarstan in particular are investing enormous resources to provide maximum support to families with children who need it. According to the figures I am aware of, Tatarstan is the leader in terms of both spending on these goals and the right political and managerial decisions,” noted Olesya Feoktistova.
At the same time, she said that financial support measures are merely one of the factors in solving demographic problems. It is necessary to take comprehensive action in various areas.
Elmira Zaripova stressed the importance of moral values. It is necessary to ensure that young people are not faced with the choice between building a career or starting a family. This objective needs to be addressed in both Russia and China.
*****
The Third International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on August 18-19. Participants from 32 countries, 59 regions of Russia, and 24 administrative divisions of the People's Republic of China have registered for the forum. Eleven government delegations and at least 200 Chinese corporations are expected to attend. Approximately 10,000 people will participate in the forum.
The business program covers areas such as inter-state dialogue, economics, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction. The program features around 100 events, including 70 business sessions. Around 20 agreements are planned to be signed at the forum.
ANPO Directorate of International Programmes is the operator responsible for preparing and holding the SPROUTS Forum.
Official website of the SPROUTS Forum: https://russiachinaforum.com