The closing ceremony of the first China-Russia Expo was held in Harbin, capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, on June 4.

The exhibition hall of the first China-Russia Expo in Harbin, capital of Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province [Photo/my399.com]

During the five-day event, a total of 260 contracts on economic and technological cooperation were inked worth 68.34 billion yuan ($11 billion). About $3.15 billion contracts were signed for projects on import and export.

It was the first time for both China and Russia to have such a grand expo, which was a landmark for the two countries’ friendship, as well as a demonstration pilot of their innovative cooperation. As a communication platform for businesspeople from both countries, the expo also provided them with international business opportunities.

It was also the first time Russia’s Far East Development Ministry, as well as some oblasts and territories in the area, provided systematic explanations on their development plans and preferential policies to Chinese investors.

The expo saw over 11,000 foreign exhibitors from 67 countries and regions. Nearly half of them came from Russia. More than 280 delegations from overseas governments and business circles took part in the expo, which also enjoyed about 280,000 visits during the five-day event.

There were also trade talks and promotions hosted by governmental departments of Russia and China, five of which were attended by both the Russian deputy prime minister and Chinese vice-premier.