ST. PETERSBURG, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Leningrad region hopes to leverage its geographical advantages to expand cross-border supply chain cooperation with Chinese companies, regional Governor Alexander Drozdenko said in a recent written interview with Xinhua.
Bordering the Baltic Sea, the Leningrad region is a major transport hub in northwestern Russia. Its four key ports handle about one quarter of the country's total import and export cargo.
Drozdenko said maritime logistics is a priority for the region and expressed his hope to expand seaborne trade with Chinese partners.
The region exports forestry products and agricultural goods, including poultry and legumes, to China, while importing production and packaging equipment. It plans to expand exports of meat, dairy products and other food products to further diversify its export portfolio, he said.
Drozdenko said the region also plans to expand shipping routes as local shipping companies have completed trial voyages from the Baltic Sea along the Northern Sea Route.
Compared with traditional routes, the Arctic route can significantly shorten cargo delivery times, and freight volumes are expected to grow steadily, he said.
The region also looks to diversify its logistics routes by making greater use of China-Europe freight trains and developing new supply chains.
On regional cooperation, Drozdenko said the Leningrad region is committed to building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with Chinese regions in a wide range of sectors.
Many Chinese companies are already operating in the region, like helping develop an industrial park in the Tosno district. Local companies are also cooperating with Chinese bus manufacturer Yutong.
Drozdenko said he hopes Chinese companies will expand cooperation with local businesses in construction machinery, agriculture and food processing, medical equipment and rehabilitation technologies, and participate in the development of the industrial park.
The park aims to develop auto parts manufacturing and the production of construction and road machinery, while fostering an industrial cluster, he said. ■