Russia and China plan to create an online platform that will allow Russian producers to sell fresh food products to the Chinese market for the first time, the Kommersant newspaper reported Monday, citing a source within the Russian Export Center (REC).
The online platform will be created with the participation of major Chinese e-commerce company JD.com and the REC, controlled by Russian state development bank Vneshekonombank (VEB).
The memorandum on their cooperation will be signed on Tuesday, the newspaper reported.
According to Kommersant's source, JD.com will assist Russian sellers with logistics and marketing, while REC will develop measures to support exporters.
This was confirmed by Alexander Vasilyev, general director of JD.ru for logistics and services.
According to Vasilyev, food products from any Russian region will be exported to China through the Internet platform. It is the first time the company will supply Russian foodstuffs to China, Vasilyev noted.
The first Russian goods that appeared on JD.com were Canoe brand hats. They launched in January in China and later internationally.
JD.com is not the only Chinese online retailer interested in Russian brands. In November 2015, Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress began selling Russian goods.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
