Member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China Zhao Gan became the first in history governor of the People's Government of a province of the PRC to visit the Penza region on an official visit.
Oleg Melnichenko emphasized that this interaction is of special importance for the region.
“Interregional cooperation is the task given by the heads of our states, the modern trend supported by Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping.
Signing the agreement between the Government of the Penza region and the People's Government of Shaanxi province, also known as the cradle of China, was a breakthrough in the development of relations with China as a whole," said Oleg Melnichenko.
He noted that the People's Republic of China is the most important foreign trade partner for the Penza region. China accounts for almost 50% of the region's imports, ranking first among importing countries. In turn, China accounts for over 11% of the Penza region's total exports.
In 2023, trade turnover with the People's Republic of China increased by 63%, and the export of agricultural products and food from the Penza region to China doubled.
In the structure of agricultural exports from the Penza region to China, turkey meat accounts for over 80%, confectionery - 11%, sunflower oil - over 8%.
Oleg Melnichenko emphasized the successes in the development of the Penza industry and stated that the region is open to cooperation in various sectors, including education, with successful experience in working with Chinese investors.
For example, the company "Shanghai Electric Group" is developing a site in the Shemysheysky district of the Penza region and plans to establish production of "green" methanol.
Zhao Gan thanked for the warm welcome extended to the delegation from Shaanxi province. The main goal of the visit, he said, is to establish comprehensive partnerships, strengthen strategic cooperation, and expand trade volumes.
“Our province is located in the geographical center of China, with a population of 40 million people. The region has a strong production and scientific-technical base, technologies, and innovations.
There are production facilities for cars running on new energy sources, a large corporation in the energy sector, the largest production of microchips for "Samsung".
Natural gas, oil, and coal are mined. Shaanxi province also has a rich cultural and historical heritage, which provides great potential for tourism development,” he said, adding that the province operates more than 110 higher education institutions, offering broad opportunities for scientific and technical cooperation and student exchanges.
“I see many directions for further cooperation between our regions. The delegation includes representatives of our business circles ready for investment activities and expanding trade processes,” Zhao Gan added.