In preparation for their upcoming visit to China, Russian senators met with the Chinese Ambassador to Russia.
Alexander Dvoinykh, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Agriculture and Food Policy and Environmental Management, and his deputy Belan Khamchiev met with Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui.
Alexander Dvoinykh reported that the meeting was organised in the run-up to the committee delegation’s visit to the People’s Republic of China.
The parties discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda, including Russia-China cooperation in food and agriculture as well as some organisational issues regarding the upcoming trip.
The Senator noted that since 2019, Russia has been able to lift certain barriers that were restricting cooperation between the two countries. In 2023, Russia-China trade grew by 50 percent compared to 2022.
Speaking about the main growth points, Alexander Dvoinykh named boosting the trade of agricultural and food products, cooperation in crop farming, production of agricultural equipment, Chinese traditional medicine, and joint projects in solid and household waste recycling.
He added that during their visit between 13 and 16 June, the delegation will meet with the National People's Congress Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and the Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment. The senators will also visit agricultural production facilities, exchange opinions with senior managers of pharmaceutical companies producing plant-based medicine and medicinal herbs, and discuss the manufacturing of agricultural equipment, digitalisation and AI-powered robotisation in the agricultural industry.