Karelia and China agreed to implement new joint projects

The Head of the Republic Artur Parfenchikov met with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in St. Petersburg Luo Zhanhui, who arrived in Karelia on an official visit on June 9. The two sides discussed developing cooperation in economics, industry, tourism, science, and culture.

During the meeting with the Consul General of the People's Republic of China in St. Petersburg, the Head of Karelia noted that today the People's Republic of China is the region main trade and economic partner, accounting for 52% of the total volume of foreign transactions.

– Last year, trade turnover between China and Karelia increased by almost a quarter compared to 2024 levels. The export of Karelian goods to China increased by 8%, while the import of Chinese goods to Karelia tripled, – emphasized Artur Parfenchikov.

Traditionally, the main share of the Karelian exports is made up of forest products: wood, pulp, paper, and cardboard. The region also supplies fish products to China; in the near future it is planned to ship another batch of products of Karelian berries.

China, in turn, supplies Karelia with high-tech equipment, machinery, and components. Mining and stone processing companies, for example, require quarry loaders, excavators, dump trucks, and drilling rigs.

The Consul General of the People's Republic of China in St. Petersburg Luo Zhanhui confirmed interest in implementing new joint projects.

– In 2024, we discussed that the Karelian trade had shifted from the West to the East. And today 52% of the exports are the result of this shift. Your estimate was correct, – the Consul General said. – The relationship between our countries is currently at its historic peak, highly valued by the Russian President Vladimir Putin. This gives us confidence in the continued development of cooperation, including regional cooperation.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed joint plans in tourism, science, culture, and education. As a reminder, two Chinese delegations visited Karelia in early 2026. One explored opportunities for collaboration with the forestry enterprises and the republican tourism potential, while the other participated in the 2nd International Forum “The Arctic – Our Common Home”. In November 2025, the 10th International Arts Assembly “Severnoye Ozherelye” was held at the Petrozavodsk College of Music named after K.E. Rautio, bringing together over a thousand competitors, including those from the People's Republic of China.

– Your return visit to Karelia is further confirmation that the relations between our countries, including at the regional level, continue to strengthen and gain new meaning. We have always been interested in developing our partnership with China, and in recent years we have achieved positive results, – Artur Parfenchikov summarized the meeting.

Встреча Главы Карелии с Генеральным консулом КНР в Санкт-Петербурге