Nations envision future path through joint transit plans
With the future of China-Russia business relations directly pegged to connectivity, diversified trading methods and people-to-people exchanges, China is deploying more resources in Russia's lucrative transportation and infrastructure markets.
Cai Jin, vice-president of the Beijing-based China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing, said China is planning to work with ports in Russia to develop shorter shipping routes to Europe via the Northeast Passage in the Arctic Ocean.
Specially designed cargo ships carrying Chinese goods will leave Russia's Zarubino Port on a 30-day journey to Europe through the passage.
"Air cargo services from Northeast and Central China provinces such as Jilin, Heilongjiang and Henan to major cities in Russia and Mongolia will also be available soon to ship high-end and high-tech products between consumers and manufacturers from both sides," Cai said.
To enhance Russia's technical capabilities to improve its rail transit, China and Russia set up a joint venture in Russia in November to manufacture electromagnetic unit vehicles for the Moscow-Kazan high-speed rail project.
The vehicles will be manufactured by Jilin-based Changchun Railway Vehicles Co, a subsidiary of China Railway Rolling Stock Corp, the country's largest train maker by revenue.