OREANDA-NEWS. Delegation of the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in St.Petersburg is on a visit to Karelia these days. On June, 9 Head of the republic Alexander Khudilainen had a meeting with Mr.Ji Yan Chi, Consul General. Opportunities for development of cooperation between China and Karelia were discussed during the meeting.

Alexander Khudilainen has told that to involve Chinese investors and develop cooperation with the People's Republic of China last November a presentation of Karelia in the Embassy of China in Moscow that had caused interest among entrepreneurs took place last November. Our republic has become one of the first regions of Russia that had got an opportunity to present their prospects in territory of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China.

Today, according to Alexander Khudilainen, China is interested in development of minerals in Karelia. In particular, the Chinese investor plans to produce gabbrodiabase in Pudozh region. Negotiations with representatives of the People's Republic of China concerning implementation of The Pudozh Megaproject are also in progress.

Development of cooperation between the parties can be promoted by planned building of ports in Byelomorsk and Kem that will become a part of the infrastructure of the Northern Sea Route.

It is the shortest sea way between the European part of Russia and the Far East which will provide an outgate to the Asian region. Both Europe, and Scandinavia are interested in it, too. Karelia can use not only its own potential, but also be transit for production export through Russia and the region, - Head of the Republic has told.

There's good ground for cooperation in the research and academic. The project on training Chinese students of Shanghai Pedagogical University in Petrozavodsk State Conservatory has been implemented for many years in Karelia. At the moment, there are 52 students.

Petrozavodsk conservatory has the best teachers and it provides the best education. I am proud that Chinese students have an opportunity to study here, - Consul General has told. - Exchange of students is of great importance for strengthening of cooperation.

On June, 11th Ji Yan Chi will take part in the graduation ceremony in Petrozavodsk State Conservatory.

The sphere tourism is also considered a perspective directions for development of cooperation between Karelia and the People's Republic of China. As it was observed at the meeting, establishing of contacts promote growth of the flow of Chinese tourists to Karelia.

Mr.Ji Yan Chi also has proposed opening of a Chinese restaurant in the republic which Alexander Khudilainen has approved, having promised to address to businessmen with this suggestion.

The Consulate General is ready to assist in development of relations between Karelia and China, - Ji Yan Chi has told. - I see that with your guidance and under the supervision of the Government of the republic the region is changing for better, indeed.

The visit of Consul General of the People's Republic of China to Karelia was not the first. Last year, on the invitation of Alexander Khudilainen, he had attended celebration of the Day of the Republic in Pryazha, and on June 8 the distinguished guest had attended the celebration in Kondopoga. As Ji Yan Chi admitted, other regions of Russia he had visited just once, and Karelia has become a place he'd fallen in love with.