A delegation from the Murmansk Region took part in the 10th Russian-Chinese EXPO in Harbin. The business program of the second day started at Harbin Engineering University, China's leading center for polar research and low–temperature technologies with extensive experience working on Arctic projects. Svetlana Panfilova, Deputy Governor of the region, met with the vice-rector and the faculty at the university, where they discussed the possibilities of bilateral cooperation in the context of the cross-years of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the field of education in 2026-2027.
The key event of the day was negotiations with the Vice Governor of Heilongjiang Province, of which Harbin is the capital, Mr. Zhang Qixian. This is the first meeting with the leadership of the province, whose capital has been a sister city of Murmansk for 10 years. During the dialogue, the parties discussed in detail points of mutual interest, including trade and economic cooperation - the Chinese side is very interested in the possibility of exporting fish and crab, scientific cooperation in the Arctic, the development of tourism and the establishment of humanitarian ties and exchanges.
In addition, Svetlana Panfilova participated in the presentation of the investment potential of the Murmansk region, speaking to representatives of business and government authorities of Heilongjiang province.
"We are forming a new logistics system through the NSR and connecting three countries: Russia, Belarus and China. Today, China is the Murmansk Region's main foreign trade partner. In the region's foreign trade turnover, trade with this country accounts for 41%. It is worth noting that export earnings contribute to a more intensive development of companies, there is an opportunity to invest in production, send more goods for export, which means the development of production, the creation of new jobs, and, of course, increasing deductions to the budget of the region from income and jobs, if we talk about personal income tax. This means that it becomes possible to finance social facilities, landscaping, and invest in a comfortable life for our Northerners," the vice governor said.
At the end of the day, Svetlana Panfilova held a meeting with the leadership of the Heilongjiang Transport and Investment Group, discussing projects in the field of logistics and exports. Also during the visit, the Minister of Culture of the Murmansk Region Olga Obukhova met with the leadership of the Department of Culture and Tourism of Heilongjiang Province.
"The delegation of the Murmansk Region came with the slogan of the people's program "Live in the North!" and during our two days in Harbin, we received a full response from the Chinese side. Harbin is the north of China, where the snow and ice festival takes place. Therefore, "To live in the North!" is also about them, they also consider themselves Northerners. And in general, the Chinese side received the delegation very warmly, which once again underlines that we have a good foundation for further joint projects," Svetlana Panfilova summed up.
/Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region/
Photo: press service of the Russian-Chinese EXPO