Ahead of major international events in Xiamen, China, a delegation from the Government of Moscow and the Organising Committee of the International Municipal BRICS Forum 2025 (IMBRICS Forum) visited the Russian-Chinese Research Centre for the Digital Economy (RFCEC). This event laid a solid foundation for future collaboration and outlined concrete paths for developing multilateral partnership.
Objectives of the Visit and Composition of the Delegation: Working Ahead of the Curve
The delegation, led by Vyacheslav Manuilov and Aleksei Naumov, was hosted by the leadership of RFCEC. The delegation included representatives from the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee, and PJSC Sberbank. The visit aimed to comprehensively assess the potential of the flagship BRICS Innovation Hub and integrate it into the programme of the upcoming Forum, as well as to develop specific joint initiatives.
The visit programme focused on several priority tasks:
Central Event: Signing of the Framework Cooperation Agreement
The main practical outcome was the signing on 17 August 2025 of a cooperation agreement between the Russian-Chinese Research Centre for the Digital Economy and the official operator of IMBRICS Forum 2025.
The agreement represents a concrete plan of action aimed at developing and supporting business relations not only between Russia and China but also among all BRICS countries and the Global South. It envisages joint work to create a platform for sharing best practices, implementing pilot projects in the digital economy, and attracting investment to high-tech sectors.
RFCEC invited the Russian delegation to participate in the BRICS Partnership Forum on the New Industrial Revolution (16–17 September, Xiamen) and confirmed their involvement in organising and conducting several sessions at IMBRICS Forum 2025.
This reflects a shift from general discussions to concrete actions and the alignment of shared interests.
Atmosphere and Outcomes of the Meeting: Expert Dialogue and Confidence in Success
The meeting took the form of an intensive and productive dialogue. After a tour of the Centre’s modern facilities, both sides held an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities of municipal digital transformation.
"Today’s visit and the signed agreement are not merely formalities but a starting point for creating a truly functioning collaboration ecosystem. We have seen a powerful infrastructure that will serve as an ideal platform for generating and implementing innovative ideas within BRICS," emphasised the meeting participants.
"On our side, the Russian-Chinese Research Centre for the Digital Economy is ready to act as a hub and driver for joint projects. We thank the delegation for their deep professional interest and express complete confidence that our joint initiatives will achieve successful development and significantly strengthen multilateral partnership," concluded the hosts.
The event ended constructively, outlining clear prospects for work in the pre-Forum period and subsequent implementation of the planned initiatives.
Objectives of the Visit and Composition of the Delegation: Working Ahead of the Curve
The delegation, led by Vyacheslav Manuilov and Aleksei Naumov, was hosted by the leadership of RFCEC. The delegation included representatives from the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, the IMBRICS Forum Organising Committee, and PJSC Sberbank. The visit aimed to comprehensively assess the potential of the flagship BRICS Innovation Hub and integrate it into the programme of the upcoming Forum, as well as to develop specific joint initiatives.
The visit programme focused on several priority tasks:
- A thorough familiarisation with the Centre’s material and technical base and research capacities.
- Presentation of Moscow’s successful projects in urban digital transformation.
- Detailed briefing on the concept, objectives, and business programme of the IMBRICS Forum.
- Demonstration of the latest fintech solutions from Sberbank as potential tools to support joint projects.
Central Event: Signing of the Framework Cooperation Agreement
The main practical outcome was the signing on 17 August 2025 of a cooperation agreement between the Russian-Chinese Research Centre for the Digital Economy and the official operator of IMBRICS Forum 2025.
The agreement represents a concrete plan of action aimed at developing and supporting business relations not only between Russia and China but also among all BRICS countries and the Global South. It envisages joint work to create a platform for sharing best practices, implementing pilot projects in the digital economy, and attracting investment to high-tech sectors.
RFCEC invited the Russian delegation to participate in the BRICS Partnership Forum on the New Industrial Revolution (16–17 September, Xiamen) and confirmed their involvement in organising and conducting several sessions at IMBRICS Forum 2025.
This reflects a shift from general discussions to concrete actions and the alignment of shared interests.
Atmosphere and Outcomes of the Meeting: Expert Dialogue and Confidence in Success
The meeting took the form of an intensive and productive dialogue. After a tour of the Centre’s modern facilities, both sides held an open discussion on the challenges and opportunities of municipal digital transformation.
"Today’s visit and the signed agreement are not merely formalities but a starting point for creating a truly functioning collaboration ecosystem. We have seen a powerful infrastructure that will serve as an ideal platform for generating and implementing innovative ideas within BRICS," emphasised the meeting participants.
"On our side, the Russian-Chinese Research Centre for the Digital Economy is ready to act as a hub and driver for joint projects. We thank the delegation for their deep professional interest and express complete confidence that our joint initiatives will achieve successful development and significantly strengthen multilateral partnership," concluded the hosts.
The event ended constructively, outlining clear prospects for work in the pre-Forum period and subsequent implementation of the planned initiatives.