A grand opening ceremony for the 2nd China-Russia Expo, which is a new opportunity brought by China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and aims to increase trade between the two countries, is held at a theater in the city of Harbin, Heilongjiang province, on Oct 11.

Thousands of businesspeople, from 103 countries, have registered for the five-day trade fair, taking place in the International Exhibition, Convention and Sports Center, and a smaller venue in Harbin’s China South City, and more than 1,200 exhibitors are expected to take part.

Orchestra plays for the opening ceremony of this year’s China-Russia Expo, in Harbin, on Oct 10. [Photo/my399.com]

Government departments and industrial leaders from both countries will be conducting round table discussions, business negotiations, promotional events and symposiums to increase friendships and cooperation in the future.

The annual China-Russia Expo trade fair has been held in Harbin for 26 years now, with this year’s organizers being China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Heilongjiang Government, and Russian Economic Development and Industry and Trade Department. On hand for the opening ceremony are China’s Vice Premier Wang Yang, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, Heilongjiang’s Party chief Wang Xiankui, and its Governor Lu Hao.