The foreign economic forum "New Horizons 2025" was held in the Trans-Baikal Territory

On June 25-27, the Trans–Baikal Territory hosted the New Horizons 2025 Foreign Economic Forum, an off-site event of the tenth anniversary Eastern Economic Forum. It was attended by 1,500 representatives of government authorities, business and the expert community.

The key event of the Forum was the plenary session "The Power of the Steppe: the unity of the cultures of the three countries." Representatives of the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic, the Federation Council, the State Duma, educational institutions, regional authorities and the foreign diplomatic corps discussed the use of the geographical location of Transbaikalia and the experience of cooperation for the development of partnership between Russia, China and Mongolia, as well as the preservation and digitalization of cultural heritage.

The Trans-Baikal Economic Forum "New Horizons" is an important platform for strengthening regional and international cooperation, attracting investments and integrated development of the region and the entire Far East, emphasized Alexey Chekunkov, Minister of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic. According to him, the event is aimed at developing new solutions to attract investment, deepen international cooperation and develop human capital.

"Transbaikalia is a place where key transport corridors and large—scale industrial projects intersect. And our common goal is to turn these competitive advantages into a reliable pillar for the sustainable growth of the entire Far East. This year, not only industrial and infrastructure projects are being discussed at the forum. Today, such areas of socio-economic development as creative industries, tourism, preservation of the cultural heritage of the region, science, education and their relationship with the real sector of the economy require significant attention," Alexey Chekunkov said in a video message to the forum participants.

The session discussed issues related to the tourism potential of the region, including the development of this sector through local cuisine and regional brands. In addition, the participants of the discussion paid special attention to the prospects of the creative sector of the Russian economy and the expansion of trade and economic cooperation with China, Mongolia and the countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

During the discussion, legislative initiatives were considered to create international territories of advanced development and stimulate investment, as well as the development of digital cooperation and innovation. The participants agreed that Russia, China and Mongolia are jointly shaping a new multipolar world order, where the Far East and the Arctic are becoming centers of attraction for capital and technology.

"The Trans-Baikal Territory, with its significant transit potential and resources, is becoming a key center for export and cooperation, especially in the agro-industrial complex and transport and logistics infrastructure. Cooperation based on friendship, equality and mutual respect is developing in all areas, from economics to culture and education. The creation of preferential legal regimes in the Far East and the Arctic is stimulating investment and jobs, and upcoming legislative initiatives on international priority development territories will open up new opportunities for joint projects, including digital technologies and artificial intelligence. Russia and China are shaping a new multipolar world order in which the Far East and the Arctic will become key points of attraction for international capital and innovation," said Nikolai Kharitonov, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on the Development of the Far East and the Arctic.

Separately, emphasis was placed on the role of the Trans-Baikal Territory as a strategic transport and logistics hub and export springboard, where infrastructure is being developed, border posts are being modernized and new transport corridors are being created.

"Mongolia, Russia and China have deep historical, cultural and economic ties, and trilateral trade and economic cooperation remains the most important factor in strengthening the countries' partnership. Due to its strategic location, the Trans-Baikal Territory plays a key role in the development of transport and logistics infrastructure and trade flows between our countries. Special attention is paid to the development of the transport network and modernization of border checkpoints. Comprehensive cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, agriculture and mining contributes not only to the development of the regional economy, but also to strengthening the strategic partnership between Mongolia, Russia and China in the international arena," said Tserendorjiin Gankhuyag, Consul General of Mongolia in Ulan–Ude.

In addition, panel sessions were held at the forum on the educational and scientific potential of the Trans-Baikal Territory in the context of international cooperation, the development of tourism in the region, taking into account the experience of other subjects of the Far Eastern Federal District and attracting private investment, strengthening the creative potential of the Far East while preserving local traditions and attracting young people. Business missions were also held with the participation of entrepreneurs from Russia, China and Mongolia.

As part of the cultural and entertainment program of the Forum, thematic exhibition events dedicated to the history and traditions of the region, a souvenir fair with products from local artisans and an international exhibition of goods were held. Among them are the exhibition of sculptures by Dasha Namdakov "Archetypes of being", the exposition of the regional museum of local lore "The Heart of the Great Steppe" and the photo exhibition "Cultural Heritage of Transbaikalia". Various performances by artists, including the Zabaikalie Folk Theater and the Amar Sayn Buryat song ensemble, also took place during the Forum.

The X Eastern Economic Forum will be held on September 3-6, 2025 in Vladivostok on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University. The main topic will be "The Far East – cooperation for peace and prosperity." The WEF is organized by the Roscongress Foundation.