IMBRICS Forum delegation visits Zhengzhou: strengthening the Moscow–China partnership axis

2025-08-15 18:00 China Event

On 14 August, a delegation from the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow and the Organising Committee of the IMBRICS Forum 2025 paid an official visit to Zhengzhou, China. The visit was organised for a key meeting with the Zhengzhou Municipal Federation of Industry and Commerce and the international foreign trade platform United Steel International — New Silk Road.

The Russian delegation was led by Vyacheslav Manuylov, Deputy Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow. The delegation also included representatives of the IMBRICS Forum 2025 Organising Committee, the Forum Directorate, and PJSC Sberbank.

On the Chinese side, the meeting was attended by leaders of major business associations and companies, including the Zhengzhou Federation of Industry and Commerce, Global Business Exchange Center, Zhongcheng City Energy Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., Tangshan Baofen Tower Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Beijing Shibidaco Trading Co., Ltd., and the Yaobao International Chamber of Commerce.

The visit of the Moscow delegation had a comprehensive and strategic character, aimed at deepening multilateral cooperation within the BRICS+ format.

Presenting Moscow’s investment and economic potential and showcasing the International Municipal BRICS Forum as a unique dialogue platform.
Inviting Chinese partners — city administrations, chambers of commerce, associations, and businesses — to take an active part in the Forum as delegates, speakers, exhibitors, and partners.
Exploring and discussing concrete formats of cooperation and launching joint projects.
Strengthening partnership ties between Moscow and the central provinces of China, particularly Zhengzhou.
Discussing the possibility of hosting a future Forum in China in 2026.

During the meeting, the parties outlined clear directions for further joint work. They reached a mutual understanding on the need to develop practical cooperation. The Russian side presented successful projects of Moscow and Sberbank’s financial instruments for supporting international transactions, which drew strong interest from Chinese entrepreneurs.

A key outcome was the intention to expand cooperation on specific projects in the fields of energy equipment, construction, and trade, presented by Chinese companies. The parties also agreed to work out mechanisms for Chinese partners' participation in the upcoming IMBRICS Forum 2025 in Moscow.

The meeting was held in a constructive and friendly atmosphere that encouraged open dialogue. The event served as an effective platform for direct communication between the business communities of the two countries.

A welcome address was delivered by Mr Chen Yong, Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of the City Party Committee and Party Secretary of the Zhengzhou Federation of Industry and Commerce. He emphasised the importance of such direct contacts for developing economic ties:

"We highly value the initiative of the Russian side and are ready to be active partners in strengthening relations between the business communities of our countries within BRICS. Our Federation is prepared to provide comprehensive support," Mr Chen Yong said.

Alexey Naumov elaborated on new mechanisms that Moscow and the Forum are offering to Chinese and other international partners:

"For us, it is crucial not only to maintain dialogue at the level of capitals but also to establish strong links with China’s dynamically developing regions, such as Zhengzhou. We see tremendous potential for joint projects in urban development, smart cities, energy efficiency, and trade. We look forward to welcoming a representative Chinese delegation at the Forum in 2025," said Alexey Naumov.

Participants also expressed keen interest in the presentation by the representative of Sberbank, who explained in detail the stages of the bank’s business operations in China and the instruments for transactions between companies of the two countries.

An interactive session enabled the parties to ask each other questions and receive detailed answers, laying a solid foundation for future fruitful cooperation.