15 February 2015, 00:00
On January 23, 2015, with Spring Festival approaching, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Russia held its annual meeting in Moscow. Approximately 200 people attended the event, including China's Ambassador to Russia, Li Hui, Minister-Counselor of the embassy's Economic and Commercial Office, Zhang Di, President of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in Russia, Cai Guiru, other embassy officials, representatives of Chinese-funded companies in Russia and members of the media.
In his speech, Ambassador Li looked back at the significant progress made in Sino-Russian relations in 2014, pointing to close high-level exchanges, fruitful pragmatic cooperation and flourishing cultural exchanges. Looking to 2015, Ambassador Li stated that the two countries will continue to maintain frequent high-level exchanges, and the two sides will usher in the 70th anniversary of victory in World War II and the Sino-Russian Youth Friendship Exchange Year, while new advances and breakthroughs will be made in order to wrap up major projects in fields involving practical cooperation. Both sides will also strive to achieve the bilateral trade target of US$ 100 billion set by the leaders of the two countries.
Ambassador Li pointed out that Russia is currently facing temporary economic difficulties but urged those present to maintain confidence in the Russian government and the economic situation, focus on the long term, consider matters carefully before taking action, have the courage to explore new areas of cooperation and investment, mitigate risks to the extent permitted by law, minimize losses and overcome difficulties. He noted that the Chinese Embassy in Russia stands ready to provide advice to Chinese enterprises operating in Russia and actively help to resolve difficulties and problems they encounter in the course of their work.
Zoomlion Overseas Branch Company's regional representative in Russia, Deputy General Manager Li Qi, talked about the company's business operations in 2014 and work plan for 2015. He also shared his experiences and views regarding the difficulties and risks as well as potential opportunities encountered during current operations, before discussing Sino-Russian relations, pragmatic economic cooperation between the two countries and topics related to science, education, culture and health.
Representatives of Chinese-funded companies agreed that they all need to stick together for strength in future operations and that they should provide mutual support, seize opportunities, mitigate risk, minimize losses and work through this difficult time.
Source: Zoomlion