On the morning of July 19, the 10th China-Russia roundtable conference on cooperation between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was held in Jinhua. Sergei Mironov, Chairman of the A Just Russia-Patriots-For Truth party and head of the A Just Russia party faction in the State Duma of Russia; Qian Hongshan, Vice Minister of the International Liaison Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China; Alexey Chepa, deputy head of the A Just Russia party and first deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs; Liu Xin, member of the Party Group of the Standing Committee of the Provincial People’s Congress and Deputy Governor of Zhejiang; and Zhu Chonglie, Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee delivered speeches at the conference.

The China-Russia roundtable conference on SMEs cooperation, co-founded by the Communist Party of China and the A Just Russia party, has been held for nine consecutive sessions since 2007. It has become an important platform for entrepreneurs from both countries to engage in exchange and cooperation. The conference has played a positive role in promoting practical cooperation between China and Russia.

Sergei Mironov expressed that the conference establishes a foundation for active interaction and long-term cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises. The Russian side will use the opportunities provided by the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt and Road Initiative to fully utilize the exchange platform offered by this conference. They aim to promote stronger economic and trade activities among SMEs in both regions and facilitate a new level of local cooperation between the two countries.

Qian Hongshan pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The conference serves as a concrete action to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of China and Russia. It provides a significant platform for practical cooperation among SMEs from both countries. China-Russia relations have been developing positively in recent years, as both countries are at a crucial stage of national development and rejuvenation. It is hoped that entrepreneurs from both sides will seize opportunities, pursue common development, and prioritize practical cooperation. By contributing their wisdom and strength, they can foster the development of China-Russia relations and improve the well-being of both nations.

Alexey Chepa highlighted the continuous expansion and deepening of comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries in recent years. He emphasized that the Russian side will persist in responding to the Belt and Road Initiative and actively engage in practical cooperation with China across multiple domains, including the economy, trade, culture, art, education, and tourism. The aim is to seize development opportunities, foster mutual benefit, and achieve progress in all aspects.

Liu Xin highlighted that in March of this year, the leaders of China and Russia jointly signed a statement, setting a new direction for cooperation between the two countries. Zhejiang Province has established close economic and trade relations with Russia, providing a strong foundation for collaboration. The conference presents an opportunity to deepen cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, culture, and education, while sharing development opportunities and pursuing mutual benefits. Zhejiang is committed to enhancing communication and coordination with Russian counterparts, establishing a new platform for cross-border exchanges between China and Russia, fostering a hub for trade cooperation, and creating more opportunities for extensive collaboration.

Zhu Chonglie highlighted Jinhua’s significance as an important city along the Belt and Road. In recent years, Jinhua has actively implemented the consensus between China and Russia, resulting in fruitful cooperation in the field of economy and trade. The conference provides an opportunity for Jinhua to capitalize on its strengths in transportation, market exhibitions, institutional innovation, and openness. The goal is to promote trade expansion, explore new cooperation areas, and achieve mutual benefit and shared development. Jinhua will continue to provide excellent services and support, enabling SMEs to play a more significant role in China-Russia economic and trade cooperation.

The conference, themed “China-Russia SMEs Cooperation in the Context of the Docking Cooperation between the Belt and Road and the Eurasian Economic Union,” attracted over 100 enterprises from both China and Russia to participate in discussions and negotiations. (By Lou Pan)