Published on: 2026-04-26
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –
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Chita /Russia/, April 26 /Xinhua/ — The Transbaikal Territory of Russia is implementing a program to modernize border checkpoints with China to expand trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. This was stated today in an interview with Xinhua by Pavel Volkov, acting deputy chairman of the government of the Transbaikal Territory.
“Zabaykalsky Krai is part of the state program for the development of checkpoints across the state border. The program provides for the modernization of practically the entire network of checkpoints at the border with China, and primarily — the Zabaikalsk checkpoint as the largest and most cargo-intensive,” he reported.
“Zabaikalsk is undoubtedly our largest checkpoint. Moreover, it is being modernized to ensure even greater cargo and passenger flows. It has both automobile and railway checkpoints,” said P. Volkov, adding that once all the modernization projects of control and checkpoint facilities are implemented, Zabaikalsky Krai will become the largest transit hub between China and Russia, through which enormous cargo flows will pass.
In my opinion, the Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Trans-Baikal Territory, modernization of checkpoints will contribute to the development of tourism between countries.
“This is interesting not only for the Russian Federation, but also for the People’s Republic of China, especially in light of our partnership relations and decisions on the visa-free regime. At this level of cooperation, I hope there will be a significant mutual flow in this sphere. Our citizens already visit China with great pleasure, and I see a strong interest in this,” noted P. Volkov.
Speaking about the economic cooperation of the Trans-Baikal Territory with China, the official emphasized that the turnover between the parties has been steadily maintained at a high level for a long time and amounts to about 1 billion US dollars per year. It is mainly composed of Russian exports of mineral raw materials and machine engineering products supplied from China.
Zabaykalsky Krai is actively developing investment cooperation with Chinese business.
“We have projects involving investments from Chinese companies that are actively developing here,” said P. Volkov. As an example, he cited the development of one of the largest deposits of polymetallic ores by the Chinese company “Baikalrud.”
According to him, this is not the only project. Joint projects in the fields of gold and coal mining are also being implemented in the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory.
In addition, a project related to the processing of minerals is being developed in the region.
“In fact, a real copper valley is taking shape. The Udokan deposit — one of the largest — is currently being developed with the participation of Chinese capital. As soon as all the stages of this project are implemented, we will become the largest region for copper ore production,” said P. Volkov, noting that copper is a key metal for energy transmission and electronics, indispensable for the successful development of the PRC’s economy.
As the interlocutor from Xinjiang indicated, to attract investment and minimize investment risks, especially at the initial stage, a regime of Advanced Development Territory (ADT) has been introduced in the territory of the Trans-Baikal Territory.
“It primarily allows obtaining a land plot for free, as well as connecting electrical power and other infrastructure to the project. Significant tax benefits are also provided. Moreover, the principle of stability of conditions applies: if the tax policy in the country changes, the conditions under which residents joined the project remain valid,” explained the official.
P. Volkov also noted the enormous potential for cooperation between the Trans-Baikal Territory and China in the field of agriculture. In particular, the discussion concerns the expansion of exports of Russian grain and meat.
“Products of the Trans-Baikal region are elite products, not over-saturated with fertilizers and other harmful substances that are present in the soil of more developed agriculture,” he emphasized.
Acting Deputy Chairman of the Regional Government called the proximity of the Trans-Baikal Territory to China a significant competitive advantage of the region.
“The history itself has connected us, and I think we must do everything for the development of mutually beneficial cooperation, for the sake of our countries and our people,” concluded P. Volkov. –0–
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