Andrey Prokhorovich on RBC: Russia-China Cooperation Retains Growth Potential but Requires Targeted Work

On March 5, on RBC’s Den program, Andrey Prokhorovich, Managing Partner of Eurasia Development Group, commented on the current state of Russia-China business cooperation and the prospects for its further development. The main focus of his remarks was on the practical side of cooperation: despite positive signals, most projects still require individual work and hands-on support.

The discussion separately highlighted the gap between the formal level of agreements and their practical implementation. Even when documents have been signed and intergovernmental decisions adopted, the launch of specific investment initiatives can be delayed. As Andrey Prokhorovich emphasized, one reason is that a significant share of Chinese businesses remains sensitive to external markets, international commitments and sanctions restrictions. Moreover, different approaches to working with Russia often exist within the companies themselves, which also affects the speed of decision-making.

At the same time, the potential for expanding cooperation remains substantial. According to the speaker, China possesses a large pool of technologies and industry expertise that could be applied in Russia. This applies both to high-tech areas, including robotics, and to industrial solutions, for example in metallurgy. This range of opportunities creates a basis for launching new joint projects, provided that projects are prepared properly and sustainable mechanisms for cooperation are in place.

According to Andrey Prokhorovich, intergovernmental commissions and other institutional formats continue to play an important role in this process. They make it possible to establish working contacts, formalize relations at the government level and create the necessary framework of trust. For many Chinese companies, government support and a clear regulatory environment remain important factors when entering the Russian market.

The discussion also addressed payments and financial infrastructure. Andrey Prokhorovich noted that cooperation with a number of Chinese banks continues, but payment mechanisms remain complex and costly. This means that flexibility, practical knowledge and the ability to quickly adapt transaction structures to current conditions remain critical for businesses.
The main conclusion of the discussion was the following:

Russia-China cooperation retains strategic potential, but its development today depends not so much on signed agreements as on the quality of day-to-day practical work — with projects, partners, payments and support mechanisms. It is precisely this approach, based on deep industry expertise and continuous dialogue, that makes it possible to turn emerging opportunities into real transactions and long-term partnerships.

Eurasia Development Group is a reliable source of information about Chinese partners and ways of doing business with China. Our team of highly qualified specialists makes the search for technologies and counterparties in China easier and faster.