Harbin International Conference and Exhibition Center, China. Picture: HICEC

The Primorye delegation is showcasing its investment potential to the Chinese side with projects from more than 30 companies. Examples include an industrial cluster for the processing of waste, a proposal from AVA-Trade Company.

Another is an industrial plant to process wood waste into an alternative source of fuel - pellets. Then there is a plan to build a large sports-and-travel complex in Kirovsky District.

Further examples aimed at the Chinese market are beekeeping products and the wild-growing plants of the Ussurian taiga.

The EXPO is organised by the Russian ministries of Economic Development and Industry and Trade, along with the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, and the government of Heilogjiang Province.

Coinciding with the event was an announcement of an expansion of flights between Vladivostok and Harbin, announced Vladimir Miklushevsky, acting Governor of the Primorsky region, during a meeting with Lu Hao, chairman of the People's Government of Heilongjiang Province.

Currently there are three flights a week between the cities served by Avrora (Aurora) and Aeroflot air companies. 'At our previous meeting, we spoke of a direct flight between Harbin and Vladivostok. We are planning to inaugurate it very soon,' said Miklushevsky.

Lu Hao, for his part, pointed out that the Chinese side also tackles the question of starting yet another air route between Primorye and Harbin, reported Itar-Tass. 'I have already suggested that a Korean air carrier establish a Seoul - Vladivostok - Harbin air route,' he said.

He urged the importance of developing transportation corridors between China and Primorye. He also emphasised the importance of the 'Outlet to the Sea' project for Chinese companies.

'We are ready to work together with you towards this end. A Suifenhe-Mudangjiang-Harbin-Vladivostok transportation corridor is a priority in this respect'.