'Sprouting' partnerships
Forum highlights growing business collaborations between Beijing, Moscow
"We support and pay close attention to bilateral local currency settlements. Such settlements are conducive to the development of enterprises and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
"Regardless of the payment system or form, we will support and encourage enterprises to actively participate," Zhou told Russian media outlet Sputnik.
Taliya Minullina, head of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency, told Xinhua News Agency that eight Chinese provincial-level delegations and governors from multiple Russian federal subjects are attending this year's event.
Tatarstan has signed intergovernmental agreements with seven Chinese provinces — Shandong, Hunan, Sichuan, Anhui, Heilongjiang, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi — as well as Chongqing municipality.
Minullina said that Tatarstan offers eight federal-level economic zones with tax benefits — the most in Russia — and over 100 industrial parks, where Chinese investors can access land or rent fully equipped facilities at favorable terms.
She also emphasized the republic's rich educational resources to support foreign-invested projects.
Beyond business, the forum featured vibrant cultural programs. Delegates enjoyed a Tatar-language performance, a Chinese Film Day, and several cultural events celebrating shared folk traditions.
