The Association of Innovative Regions of Russia (AIRR) and the China International Financial Service Park for Small and Medium Enterprises in Shenyang (CSSMEIFS) have signed a framework agreement on strategic cooperation. The document was signed by AIRR Director Alexander Smekalin and Park Chairman Zhu Jiquan, who also heads the Northeast Asia International Cooperation Center for the Low-Altitude Economy “Silk Road,” at the ROSTKI forum. The International Forum “ROSTKI: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” has been held in Kazan for the fourth consecutive year, and in 2026 AIRR participated as one of the event’s key partners for the first time. The signed agreement establishes a foundation for developing trade and economic, scientific and technical, investment, and innovation interaction between enterprises in China and Russia. Several areas of partnership are planned under the agreement, including participation by the Russian side in the Shenyang International Aviation Conference in Fakou and an international aviation exhibition. The parties attach particular importance to cooperation in creating the Shenyang Industrial and Research Base for General Aviation in Northeast Asia, which will include general aviation airport infrastructure, international airspace, and an industrial cluster focused on R&D, production, and assembly. The agreement also provides for the implementation of joint pilot projects leveraging the potential of AIRR member regions and the scaling of successful practices across Russian federal subjects. “This will help establish strong ties between Russian and Chinese enterprises, scientific organizations, universities, development institutions, and government authorities,” commented Alexander Smekalin, Director of the Association of Innovative Regions of Russia.