Krasnodar Region and China to strengthen interregional cooperation

On the governor’s instructions, Krasnodar Region Deputy Governor Alexander Ruppel met with Chang Xuhong, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Chinese Embassy to the Russian Federation.

In early September 2026, during a meeting of members of the Russian-Chinese Committee for Friendship, Peace, and Development held as part of the Russian-Chinese Forum for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Veniamin Kondratyev proposed increasing the region’s exports of agricultural products to the People’s Republic of China. Alexander Ruppel and the Chinese delegation discussed ways to further develop trade and economic ties, as well as cooperation in the social and humanitarian spheres.

«China is one of the key international partners of the Krasnodar Region. Trade turnover between the region and the People’s Republic of China saw a steady growth last year, with exports increasing by almost 2.5 times. In the first half of 2026, trade turnover rose by more than 9%. China accounts for over a quarter of the Krasnodar Region’s total foreign trade turnover. Key imports from China include industrial goods, fruit and nuts, plastics, rubber, and other products. The Krasnodar Region exports fats and oils, meat, vegetables, medicines, aluminium, and other goods to China. A solid foundation of trust has been established between our regions providing a basis for developing the economic framework for specific projects. This work is already under way,» said Alexander Ruppel.

The meeting was also attended by Yulia Prikhodko, Head of the Department for Business Development and Foreign Economic Activity of the Krasnodar Region, Igor Yakimchik, the region’s Commissioner for Entrepreneurs’ Rights, and Fang Lijun, an Attaché at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Russian Federation.

«We have developed a number of proposals to expand cooperation in trade, logistics, industrial and technological collaboration, tourism, and education. We are seeing growing interest among Chinese buyers in Russian goods and are ready to increase supplies of products from the Krasnodar Region, as well as arrange visits by Chinese buyers to the region. As Russia’s largest transport and logistics hub, the Krasnodar Region could serve as a logistics bridge for delivering Chinese goods to southern Russia,» said Alexander Ruppel.

The deputy governor explained that the Krasnodar Region has unique expertise in establishing manufacturing facilities and implementing foreign-investment projects. A robust network of small and medium-sized enterprises, a well-developed industrial sector, and a support system for investors and manufacturers enable the region to assist companies from the initial enquiry right through to the launch of production.

The participants also discussed the prospects for expanding mutual tourist exchanges, including the possibility of establishing direct air links between cities in China and the Krasnodar Region.