Vitaly Mankevich for CGTN: Chinese market is a strategic priority for Russia

Vitaly Mankevich, Chairman of RAUIE, assessed the potential of the Chinese market and the prospects for bilateral cooperation in an interview with CGTN, with a focus on Russia’s participation in the 6th China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Hainan.

CICPE, held in the second decade of April, brought together over 3,400 brands from 60 countries and regions. For the first time in the expo’s history, Russia deployed its own national pavilion.

“Just a couple of years ago, Russian companies participated only sporadically, but now a unified, recognizable brand of high-quality Russian products is presented in China,” Mankevich noted.

An important feature of the expo was the opportunity for Chinese consumers to purchase imported goods on the spot at duty‑free prices.

“Russian manufacturers receive instant feedback from hundreds of thousands of visitors, which is invaluable for adapting products to the tastes of the Chinese audience,” emphasized the Chairman of RAUIE.

Figures and trends:

• In the first two months of 2026, China’s foreign trade grew by 18.3% (to 7.73 trillion yuan), with imports rising 17.1%
• The Chinese consumer (aged 26–35, first‑ and second‑tier cities) remains committed to imported products in the categories of food, beauty, and health, perceiving them as a mark of quality and safety.
• The market is moving from saturation to “quality consumption”: demand is growing for eco‑friendly and healthy products, goods for an active lifestyle, and smart devices.

Participation in such events through RAUIE provides Russian businesses with a ready‑made infrastructure for entering the Chinese market, from certification to B2B matchmaking. Members of the Union gain access to analytics, logistical support, and assistance in adapting products to the tastes of the Chinese audience. Moreover, RAUIE helps build systematic presence rather than one‑off sales – just as was done at CICPE.

The Chinese consumer market is absolutely resilient and holds enormous untapped potential. Russian business is at the beginning of a long journey to win the trust of the Chinese audience, and the national pavilion at CICPE is an important step in that direction.