Heilongjiang Province in northeast China is
launching a string of promotional events this year aimed at Russia,
its biggest trade partner.
"Heilongjiang has mapped out a comprehensive work plan in a bid
to promote all-around strategic partnership and neighborly
cooperation with Russia," said Wang Limin, vice-governor of the
province.
The promotional events will aim to further boost the province's
flourishing trade with Russia, especially in view of "China Year in
Russia" being observed this year.
Heilongjiang will organize a special show during the China
National Exhibition in the Russian capital Moscow at the end of
this month, showcasing the province's signature commodities and top
export enterprises, especially in terms of exports to
Russia.?
"This will enhance the image of Heilongjiang's enterprises in
Russia," the vice-governor noted.
Heilongjiang will also focus on greater exchanges with Russia in
the high-tech sector, as the competitiveness of the province's
enterprises has been sharpened through trade with it.
Also, a Heilongjiang Week will be held in Moscow later this
month.
During that week, the province will strive to promote the 18th
China International Fair for Trade and Economic Cooperation (Harbin
Fair) to be held in June, and some investment projects especially
tailored for Russian investors.
Trade seminars with Russian investors to promote projects
located in China-Russia trade areas, as well as economic
cooperation and export-processing areas will also be part of the
events of the week.
Hafei, a top Heilongjiang auto brand, will offer test drives of
its products in Moscow, as an advertising exercise as well as to
seek more cooperation in the sector.
Further, a Sino-Russian High-tech Cooperation Seminar will also
be held in the Russian capital, as Heilongjiang attaches great
importance to exploring the immense potential in this field and
aims to take it to a new high.
The province also plans to expand its collaboration with Russia
in the electronics and equipment manufacturing sectors.
A photo exhibition will be part of the trade promotion events,
depicting the traditional friendship and long history with Russia.
This will include a special show displaying the fine arts skills of
Heilongjiang people.
"Heilongjiang Day" will also be observed in seven regions and
districts in Russia, including the Amur Region and the Jewish
Administrative District.
Top Heilongjiang officials will meet with their counterparts in
Russia to deepen friendship and trade partnership.
"The events will consolidate Heilongjiang's trade status in
Russia," Wang said.
Profile
Heilongjiang's trade was on an upswing last year.
Total trade value was US$12.86 billion, up 34.3 percent in
2006.
The rapid development makes Heilongjiang the 11th province to
cross the annual trade value mark of US$11 billion.
There have been major breakthroughs in the province's trade
structure with Russia.
Ten key energy and raw material cooperation projects are in
progress.
The province imported 9.42 million cubic meters of logs and 1.49
million tons of crude oil from Russia.
Eight Sino-Russian projects for harmless treatment of hazardous
chemical waste have become operational.
Heilongjiang's investment in Russia also reached a historical
high of US$837 million last year, tripling the figures of two years
ago.
The province's total trade value with Russia hit US$6.69
billion, growing 17.8 percent and accounting for 52 percent of its
total import and export value.
Heilongjiang's trade value with Russia also made up 20 percent
of the nation's total last year.
In 2006, the province successfully organized 24 events during
the Russia Year in China, which significantly enhanced Sino-Russian
trade.
Electronic machinery export to Russia increased to US$1.73
billion in 2006, doubling the figures of 2005.
Export of Heilongjiang's top auto brand Hafei grew to 370,000
units, topping the nation in terms of total export volume of auto
companies.
In another development, the "going global" strategy has also
helped many Heilongjiang enterprises seize overseas development
opportunities.
Forty-nine new companies began investing overseas last year,
with 118 construction and labor service project deals inked during
the period.
The Longxing Group in Heilongjiang has successfully cooperated
with Russian companies in developing metal technology in
Russia.
Investment promotion events in Britain, France and the Republic
of Korea, as well as some economic powerhouses in China, such as
the city of Shanghai, the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang and the
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have received a warm
response
The total actually-utilized foreign investment in Heilongjiang
reached US$1.71 billion, a rise of 18 percent. The
actually-utilized investment from other provinces and regions
amounted to 30 billion yuan, growing by 30 percent.
Apart from foreign trade, Heilongjiang's economic growth is also
driven by booming investment in the newly-established
Harbin-Daqing-Qiqihar Industry Corridor and sound development of
private economy.
Covering 58.7 square kilometers in its initial period, the area
has attracted 337 projects, 65 percent of which are in the
high-tech sector.
Total investment in the area has so far hit 22.4 billion yuan,
with 20 projects having injected capital of 300 million yuan
each.
The province has launched a start-up campaign, attracting more
private capital to invigorate its economy.
Last year, 20 private enterprises saw incremental value
exceeding 100 million yuan each. The combined incremental value of
the private sector in Heilongjiang this year is expected to hit 270
billion yuan, a rise of 16 percent.
The province is also strongly promoting the establishment of 10
provincial-level private high-tech parks.
Heilongjiang has targeted a total import and export value of
US$10 billion for private enterprises in 2007.
(China Daily March 15, 2007)