Russia strengthens economic, cultural ties with HK
It gives me great pleasure to address the readers of China Daily newspaper on the National Day of Russia. This day symbolizes the Russian people’s aspirations to modernize their country and, at the same time, their deep respect for Russia’s rich 1,000-year history and cultural heritage.
Our country has made significant progress in recent decades. But we are not resting on our laurels. We recognize the many challenges for us on the world stage, both politically and economically. Last year the Russian economy transitioned from stagnation to growth. Over the past several years, Russia has radically improved its position on the “ease of doing business” rankings of the World Bank. Among the first examples of our successes was development of the Russian Far East, which is where the most favorable investment climate in the country is being created. For instance, the most recent Eastern Economic Forum held last year in Vladivostok witnessed the signing of hundreds of agreements worth more than $40 billion. Russian grain and agriproducts are being exported worldwide. Exports of Russian software have seen significant growth. Everyday life in Russia is becoming more comfortable for its citizens. The latest Russian presidential elections held in March demonstrated that Russian domestic and foreign policies enjoy the widest support of Russian society.
Today’s Eurasian continent — due to development of integration mechanisms such as the Eurasian Economic Union, China’s Belt and Road Initiative and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization — has signaled that positive political and economic interaction is shaping up. Russia is an active participant in these integration projects. With Russia’s unique geographic advantages, we are ready to build a system of new economic ties in Eurasia together with China and other countries. My country has invested heavily toward enhancing Eurasia’s transport network, including the Trans-Siberian Railway and Northern Sea Route. The Agreement between China and Eurasian Economic Union on Trade and Economic Cooperation signed last month will create favorable conditions for strengthening business ties and developing new projects. I invite Hong Kong and Macao partners to take advantage of the new business opportunities that are opening in Russia.
The solid Russia and China strategic partnership provides a conducive environment for further expansion of Russia’s cooperation with the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. Last year bilateral trade turnover between Russia and Hong Kong grew 41 percent.
Favorable conditions for bilateral economic and investment ties have been created by the Agreement on the Avoidance of Double Taxation signed in 2016, and an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement to be signed in near future. I am confident the Hong Kong government’s initiative to open a Hong Kong Trade and Economic Office in Moscow will boost our bilateral economic ties.
We support Hong Kong’s efforts to strengthen its role as a major international arbitration center. I am sure business people from Russia, the Chinese mainland and other Asian countries will increase their business commitments here, and will make good use of the excellent arbitration service Hong Kong has to offer.
Tourist exchanges are growing steadily, with Hong Kong and Macao being popular destinations for Russian tourists while an increasing number of Hong Kong residents are visiting Russia. The launch of Hong Kong-Moscow scheduled flights by Hong Kong Airlines last month will only expedite this growing trend. The “China Friendly” program introduced in many Russian cities is a wel- come development for many Chinese mainland and Hong Kong tourists.
Hong Kong played host to many Russian musicians and artistes during the Hong Kong Arts Festival as well as on other occasions. Many Russian films, both vintage and the latest productions, were screened in local cinemas and became part of international film festivals in Hong Kong. The cooperation between Russia’s and Hong Kong’s leading museums has seen a steady growth.
I strongly believe that investing in the youth always pays off. Therefore, the consulate general continues to help Hong Kong’s universities and student groups organize educational trips to Russia. It is gratifying to note that such tours have become more frequent, including those under the B&R program.
Speaking about sports, the Russian national rugby team every year participates in the Hong Kong Sevens and the Rugby Cup of Nations with good results. I would be remiss not to mention the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia, which is just a few days away now. According to estimates, up to a million tourists will come to my country to attend matches and travel around the host cities of the championship. And China is among the five leading countries whose citizens have been the most active in buying tickets for the World Cup.
Much of our economic success and the good will we have built in Hong Kong are due to the hard work of our Russian compatriots. In particular, I would like to mention the first Russian Cultural Week. Organized last October, this festival included numerous vibrant events showcasing different aspects of Russian culture. This year the organizers plan to extend it to an entire month and call it the Russian Autumn Festival, with a perspective to be held annually. A noble tradition of Russian Charity Balls has been successfully revived and next year will mark the 10th anniversary of the first Russian Ball in Hong Kong. The Slavic Celebration concert was another memorable event organized last month by the Russian Sound Music Academy. Taken together, they promise to leave an indelible Russian mark on Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
I am pleased to invite everyone to attend these cultural events to learn more about Russia and, hopefully become sufficiently motivated to visit our great country.