Tianjin is set to develop into a strategic area in the economic corridor connecting China, Mongolia and Russia, Huang Xingguo, Mayor of Tianjin, said on Monday.

The coastal city neighboring Beijing is seeking cooperation with Russia on port logistics and shipping business, Huang said at a meeting during the annual session of the National People's Congress in Beijing.

The city is also eyeing more energy supplies from Russia through the China-Russia crude oil and gas pipelines while exploring new ways to boost free trade between the city and Russia, Huang said.

The idea of building an economic corridor of China, Mongolia and Russia was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping last September when meeting with the leaders of the two countries.