A delegation from the Murmansk Region participated in the 3rd Russia-China Forum on Investment Development and Trade Cooperation, held in Shenyang, Liaoning Province.

During the business session "New Opportunities for Investment in Russia: Creating a New Driving Force for Enterprise Development," Dmitry Titarenko, Deputy Minister of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region, presented the region's key advantages, including its favorable geographic location, the ice-free port of Murmansk—a key port for the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor and a gateway to the Northern Sea Route—its rich natural resources, unique natural phenomena that attract tourists from around the world, and priority areas for cooperation.

"We continue to strive to develop our competitive advantages and invite all interested partners to invest in the Murmansk Region. We express our strong interest in bilateral cooperation in developing international trade relations to ensure continued growth in cargo turnover," emphasized Dmitry Titarenko.

Artem Kuksa, CEO of the Murmansk Region Development Corporation, spoke at the session "New Impetus for Chinese-Russian Logistics," where he presented the region's port capabilities and their importance in the development of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor. He also noted the Murmansk Region's interest in developing container shipping and its readiness to collaborate with Chinese shippers and jointly implement large-scale logistics initiatives.

"The Murmansk Region is open to cooperation with foreign investors in developing port and warehouse infrastructure aimed at significantly increasing cargo turnover at the port of Murmansk using the capabilities of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, as well as creating new shipbuilding capacity," said Artem Kuksa.

During the forum, delegation representatives held a series of meetings with potential investors and partners, discussing prospects for developing bilateral cooperation in various economic sectors. Particular attention was paid to the prospects for redirecting cargo flows from traditional routes to the Northern Sea Route, using Murmansk's port infrastructure as a strategic transportation hub.

Representatives of the Lavna Sea Trade Port, a project currently in its final stages of construction, with facilities over 95 percent complete, actively participated in dialogues with foreign companies. Future plans include moving coal transshipment from the Murmansk city limits to the western shore of the Kola Bay.

Yulia Vyatkina, Project Manager for the Lavna Port Construction Project, outlined priority areas for collaboration with Chinese companies. She stated that the port is interested in establishing direct contacts with major Chinese equipment manufacturers.

"We are interested in partnering with major Chinese manufacturers of mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and other technological equipment components to directly purchase equipment without intermediaries. We are also open to collaborating with Chinese partners interested in exports from the Russian coal industry, as well as partners in cross-border logistics routes between Russia and China, and cargo traffic along the Northern Sea Route via Murmansk," said Yulia Vyatkina.

The business mission focused on visiting the Liaozhang Free Economic Zone, located in the Liaozhang District of Shenyang, Liaoning Province. The key focus of the visit was the China-Russia Industrial Park, a large-scale project aimed at developing bilateral economic cooperation. The project is currently in its active implementation phase. Its comprehensive launch is planned for 2030. By this time, it is expected that the necessary infrastructure will be completed, strategic partners will be attracted, and production facilities of various enterprises will be located.

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The Russia-China Forum, held since 2019, serves as a key platform for strengthening trade and economic ties between the two countries. It brings together businesses, investment funds, logistics companies, and government officials from Russia and China. The forum is held under the auspices of the Liaoning Provincial Government and with the support of the Russian-Chinese company KIFA LLC.

/ Murmansk Region Development Corporation /

Photo: KIFA PJSC