VTB has introduced a special "Chinese Fast and Furious" (Kitayskiy Forsazh) option for new small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) clients conducting foreign trade operations with Chinese companies. Program ConditionsParticipants will be able to pay for contracts with partners from the PRC with a commission starting from 0.2%. The bank will also provide a special exchange rate for purchasing Chinese yuan. The option can be activated until October 15, with the preferential terms valid until December 30. Growing Demand for the Chinese MarketVTB has recorded an increased interest from entrepreneurs in working with the Chinese market. In June, the volume of contracts between the bank's SME clients and companies from the PRC grew by 53% year-on-year."China remains Russia's largest foreign trade partner. We are expanding our suite of solutions that help entrepreneurs find reliable suppliers and enter the Chinese market," said Yulia Kopytova, Head of the Analysis, Coordination, and Product Development Department, and Senior Vice President of VTB. Additional Bank ServicesThe available tools include a free database of suppliers from the PRC, verification of Chinese counterparties, and support for foreign economic activities. The bank also offers opening accounts for foreign partners at VTB Shanghai and end-to-end currency control. For the Chinese food market, the launch of the VTB program lowers barriers for Russian food importers. A lower commission and a special exchange rate for purchasing yuan make settlements with Chinese food producers and suppliers more accessible for small and medium-sized businesses. This could facilitate an increase in orders for food products, ingredients, and finished goods from the PRC. At the same time, the preferential terms are valid for a limited period and are only available to new clients, meaning some Russian importers will not be able to use the option. It is advantageous for Chinese food exporters to offer their products to Russian buyers who are just starting to work with the PRC and to assist them in setting up payments through VTB.

Producers in Xinjiang County, located in northern China's Shanxi Province, have increased regular supplies of nectarines to the Russian market. After harvesting, the fruits undergo sorting and pre-cooling before being dispatched in refrigerated trucks through the Khorgos border crossing on the China-Kazakhstan border. Under favorable conditions, the journey from the plantation to Russian store shelves takes about seven days. Xinjiang County is a major hub for nectarine cultivation in northern China. The orchard area spans 4.67 thousand hectares, with an annual yield estimated at 180,000 tons. According to Xinhua News Agency, approximately one-third of the harvested fruit is exported, with Russia being the largest export destination. Before shipment, the fruits are subjected to strict selection: workers remove nectarines that are cracked, misshapen, or unevenly colored. The remaining fruits are graded by size—50, 55, and 60 millimeters. They are then held in cold storage for at least 24 hours at a temperature of 0 to 3 °C until the core temperature of the fruit drops below 2 °C. During transit, refrigerated trucks maintain a temperature range of 2 to 5 °C. Specialists from Yuncheng Customs inspect the products directly at the plantations and processing facilities, checking pesticide residues and compliance with quarantine requirements. For perishable goods, the region has implemented remote control procedures ("cloud inspections") and 24-hour customs clearance services, reducing processing time by over 60%. The cultivation process combines greenhouse technologies with open-field farming, allowing the harvest season to extend from May to late August and sustaining export shipments for over four months. Selling fruit during the off-season strengthens the position of Chinese producers in foreign markets. Every year, Xinjiang County exports around 60,000 tons of nectarines, an industry that provides employment for over 20,000 local residents. Besides Russia, Chinese nectarines are exported to Vietnam, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries. For each destination, producers apply tailored control procedures that meet the requirements of the specific importing market. The development of export infrastructure enables Shanxi Province to expand its presence in the international fresh fruit market and reduce spoilage during the transport of perishable goods. For the Chinese food market, the regular supply of nectarines to Russia cements the position of Chinese producers in the fresh fruit segment. Expedited customs clearance and a well-functioning cold chain mitigate the risks of product spoilage and create conditions for expanding exports to Russian retail networks. At the same time, competition with other stone fruit suppliers in the Russian market remains intense, requiring Chinese exporters to maintain consistent quality and precise delivery schedules.

Since August 3, 2026, an updated customs inspection procedure, approved by an order of the Ministry of Finance, has been in effect in Russia. The exchange of documents between customs authorities and foreign economic activity participants has transitioned to an electronic format via an information operator or a personal account. Photo and video recording are mandatory in two cases: if the assignment specifies the use of a digital camera, or if discrepancies and violations are detected. The inspection act is generated in electronic form. If no violations are found, a brief note stating "Inspected. Corresponds to documents" is permitted. The inspection is carried out strictly within the scope specified in the assignment. Deadlines depend on the operation: for customs release, the inspection is completed no later than 2 hours before the end of the release period; for temporary storage, no later than the next working day. The period can be extended if it is necessary to divide the consignment or verify information. The new procedure does not apply to goods of individuals, diplomatic mail, international postal items, international transport vehicles, supplies, and pipeline transport. For the Chinese food market, the transition to electronic document management enhances the transparency of procedures. It is crucial for Chinese food exporters to prepare accompanying documents more accurately to avoid delays. At the same time, the accelerated information exchange can reduce border crossing times for perishable goods.

In late July 2026, the first batch of fresh luffa from China entered Russian territory through the Zabaikalsk international road checkpoint. The cargo weighed 7 tons. The products successfully passed all required phytosanitary checks. Specialists from the Rosselkhoznadzor Department for the Zabaikalsky Krai conducted documentary control and found no violations. Following the completion of the procedures, the batch was forwarded to temporary storage warehouses in Moscow. Luffa is a young, unripe fruit of a tropical plant belonging to the genus Luffa of the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae). In appearance and texture, it resembles a large cucumber or zucchini with pronounced ribbing. Unlike the mature fruits, which are used to make bath sponges, fresh luffa is a juicy vegetable suitable for culinary consumption. The product is classified as dietary: it is low in calories and high in dietary fiber. Fresh luffa contains B vitamins, carotene, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Vegetable imports from China via Zabaikalsk have shown upward momentum in 2026. Earlier, Rosselkhoznadzor specialists reported a 35% increase in the supply of melons and gourds through this checkpoint in the first half of the year. The introduction of a new vegetable to the market expands the range of imported plant products and may attract the interest of wholesale buyers and retailers in central Russia. For the Chinese food market, the first shipment of fresh luffa to Russia demonstrates the expansion of the export nomenclature beyond traditional vegetable crops. Chinese producers gain an opportunity to test the demand for a new product and evaluate logistics routes through road checkpoints. Should there be sustained interest from Russian importers, supply volumes could be increased, allowing for export diversification and reducing reliance on a limited list of crops. At the same time, a significant market impact should only be expected upon transitioning to regular shipments.

Uzbekistan's Minister of Agriculture, Ibrohim Abdurakhmonov, held talks with Yunbin Du, Deputy General Director of the Chinese company Henan Bioindustry Group Co. LTD. The parties discussed an investment project for deep corn processing in the Jizzakh region. The meeting focused on the current state of the project and its transition to the practical implementation phase. Special attention was given to engineering and communications infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and prospects for product sales in both domestic and foreign markets. The project entails the construction of a modern industrial complex for producing corn sugar in the Zaamin district. During the talks, the parties also discussed ensuring a stable raw material base, creating new jobs, and developing the deep processing of agricultural products. They reviewed mechanisms for supplying the output to the domestic market and its subsequent export. Following the negotiations, an agreement was reached to implement the project within the established timeframes, expand mutual cooperation, and jointly resolve organizational issues. The implementation of the project aims to expand the deep processing of agricultural products, form high value-added supply chains, increase the region's investment attractiveness, and modernize the agro-industrial complex. For the Chinese food market, the participation of Henan Bioindustry Group Co. LTD in the Uzbekistan project strengthens the presence of Chinese business in Central Asia's agro-industrial sector. Chinese companies gain access to new production capacities and raw material bases abroad, which may facilitate the expansion of technology and equipment exports for deep processing. At the same time, the increase in corn sugar production in Uzbekistan could potentially alter the supply structure of sweeteners in the regional market, and in the long term, in the Chinese market as well, if the products become export-oriented. For Chinese food importers, this signals the emergence of another potential supplier; however, the real market impact will only become noticeable once the enterprise is launched and reaches its designed capacity.

Uzbekistan is introducing a special regime called "Entry into Business without a License." It grants entrepreneurs a three-month grace period during which they can start operations without preliminary obtaining licenses and permits. To launch a business, it is sufficient to submit a notification free of charge to the authorized body via the Single Portal of Interactive State Services (EPIGU) or a specialized electronic system. After sending the notification, the entrepreneur has the right to start working immediately. Within the three-month period, no fines or administrative sanctions for operating without a license or permit are applied. The allotted time is intended to be used to bring business processes into compliance with legal requirements and to execute the necessary documentation. If a license cannot be obtained within three months, or if the business project proves to be unprofitable, the entrepreneur is obligated to cease operations. Recently, the President of Uzbekistan was briefed on the preparations for the upcoming open dialogue with entrepreneurs. Around 6,000 appeals were received through the call center and official bots. Over 4,200 of them have been resolved positively, while nearly 1,800 are still under review. For the Chinese food market, the simplification of business entry in Uzbekistan opens up additional opportunities for export. New trading and manufacturing enterprises created during this grace period will require food products, ingredients, packaging, and equipment. Chinese food suppliers can expand their distribution channels by offering products tailored for the emerging small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) segment.

In the first half of 2026, demand for Asian products with unusual flavors in Russia increased by 10–40% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Association of Retail Companies (AKORT). The trend covers both ready-to-eat meals and individual ingredients. Sales in Retail ChainsIn Lenta, sales of Asian products increased by 16%, and unusual sweets by 10%. In X5 Group, sales of Asian-style ready-to-eat food grew by 23%. Auchan recorded a 33% increase in sales of detox tea, 87% for mango-flavored iced tea, and 59% for raspberry-flavored iced tea. Examples of Products with Rapid Popularity Growth: Kimchi-flavored croutons; Sunflower seeds with Asian spices; Pelmeni (dumplings) with tom yum sauce; Lychee soda; Mango iced tea; Sakura-flavored plant-based milk; Ice cream with pine nuts and cashews; Cheese ice cream with mascarpone or gorgonzola; Pickle-flavored fruit ice; Beer-flavored ice cream. Reasons for the TrendAKORT attributes the growth to consumers—predominantly children and youth under 25—connecting with global culture through unusual products. Strategy Partners, Infoline, and Rusprodsoyuz view this category as a source of affordable pleasure, emotional experience, and a way to diversify daily routines. Supplier consultant Mikhail Lachugin believes that retail chains themselves drive the demand by enriching their assortments with unusual items to increase profit margins. Infoline agrees: retailers have to compete for shoppers' attention, and such products help achieve this. Lenta notes that new products increase the average ticket in the confectionery department even when sales volumes in kilograms remain flat, and they also attract young people who subsequently purchase other goods. Segment OutlookRusprodsoyuz has not observed fundamental changes in consumer habits, attributing the high growth in demand for exotic foods to a low base effect. Lachugin expects unusual products to remain in retail assortments while demand gradually cools. Strategy Partners adds that individual new products will lose popularity due to the short-term nature of the trends, meaning manufacturers will have to accelerate assortment rotation. Infoline highlights two directions for the segment's development through the end of the year: Asian-style gastronomic experiments and functional products. For the Chinese food market, the growing demand for Asian products in Russia opens up additional export opportunities. Chinese manufacturers can increase supplies of ingredients, sauces, snacks, and Asian-flavored beverages, especially given the familiarity of Russian consumers with Asian cuisine. At the same time, competition in this segment is already high: local and international brands are actively launching new products, and consumer interest in exotics may shift toward other regional cuisines. Therefore, Chinese suppliers must adapt their products to Russian taste preferences by offering less radical flavor combinations and emphasizing quality and supply stability. Requirements for certification and logistics remain an additional barrier, increasing costs for smaller companies.

In Uzbekistan, new banking supervision rules have been in effect since May 2026. Client transactions exceeding 175 million UZS, as well as import contracts starting from 2 billion UZS, are now subject to additional scrutiny. Banks are obligated to request documentary proof of the legal origin of funds and the purpose of the transaction. Special attention is given to minors' accounts: deposits or withdrawals of more than 16.5 million UZS on children's accounts are officially considered a sign of suspicious activity. International transfers exceeding 412 million UZS linked to jurisdictions under increased anti-money laundering (AML) monitoring also undergo enhanced verification. The changes have affected the foreign trade sector. The monitoring threshold for adjustments in import contracts has been reduced by more than four times—from 8.24 billion to 2 billion UZS. Any modifications to supply agreements exceeding this amount are under the regulator's control. The objective is to streamline currency flows and eliminate unreasonable price inflation in foreign procurement. On August 9, updated internal control regulations for commercial banks came into force. They are aimed at combating the legalization of illicit proceeds and improving the transparency of financial flows. Banks are required to conduct in-depth identification of participants even for one-off transactions. For transfers exceeding 10.3 million UZS (25 BRV), banks transmit an expanded set of data about the sender and recipient, including the parties' Personal Identification Numbers (PINFL) and settlement account numbers. This allows the regulator to track the origin of capital and the purpose of payments. Foreign currency withdrawals from other banks' cards amounting to 206 million UZS (500 BRV) or more are also subject to mandatory rigorous checks. For the Chinese market, the tightening of banking control in Uzbekistan may lead to increased requirements for the documentary support of import contracts and cross-border settlements. Lowering the monitoring threshold to 2 billion UZS increases the compliance burden on Chinese exporters working with Uzbek buyers: a more detailed record of supply terms and price confirmation will be required. At the same time, this reduces the risks of opaque schemes, benefiting suppliers with a transparent supply chain and a stable pricing policy. Large Chinese companies may gain an advantage due to their readiness for enhanced compliance, while smaller traders will face additional barriers to market entry.

On August 10, 2026, Lenta's subsidiary, RBF Retail LLC, finalized the transfer of 99.56% of the authorized capital of the O'KEY retail chain. The closing of the deal was reported by the Kommersant newspaper. The transaction was cashless: Lenta assumed the debt obligations of RBF Retail. The perimeter of the deal includes 75 O'KEY hypermarkets, while the "Da!" discounter chain remained outside the scope of the agreement. The O'KEY brand will be phased out of the retail market. By the end of 2026, the retail outlets are planned to be rebranded under the "Hyper Lenta" trademark. In a statement, Lenta noted: "The acquisition of O'KEY assets is aligned with the group's strategy to strengthen its position in the hypermarket segment." The first reports of a potential acquisition of O'KEY assets appeared in industry media in January 2025. In early June 2026, Lenta officially confirmed its plans upon acquiring 100% of RBF Retail LLC. The final closing of the transaction took place on August 10, 2026. For the Chinese food market, the consolidation of Russian retail may lead to an increased demand for imported products and raw materials, as well as stricter requirements for certification and logistics. The expansion of Lenta's procurement operations potentially opens additional sales channels for Chinese food manufacturers. Simultaneously, however, it raises entry barriers due to the necessity of complying with the standards of a major federal retail chain. Furthermore, Lenta's strengthened position in the hypermarket segment may limit expansion opportunities for Chinese retail operators in the Russian market in the medium term.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov held an official meeting with China’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi, in Cholpon-Ata. During the talks, the Kyrgyz head of state emphasized the need for strict compliance with national legislation by all foreign companies, including enterprises with Chinese participation. Sadyr Japarov drew particular attention to the importance of foreign businesses respecting the traditions and culture of the Kyrgyz people. He stated that any commercial activity in the country must be carried out in strict accordance with the principles of legality and transparency. At the same time, the president identified the People’s Republic of China as one of Kyrgyzstan’s key strategic partners. He reaffirmed Bishkek's interest in developing mutually beneficial cooperation and noted that the Kyrgyz leadership is consistently working to create favorable conditions for investors and improve the investment climate. In response, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that Beijing highly appreciates the reforms being implemented in the republic, which aim to achieve sustainable economic growth and improve living standards. He also expressed the Chinese side's readiness to implement all previously reached bilateral agreements. Following the meeting, the two sides officially confirmed their mutual interest in further deepening their strategic partnership and expanding practical cooperation, including the implementation of infrastructure projects and the establishment of joint ventures. For Chinese manufacturers and investors, this rhetoric sends a clear signal: successfully entering the Kyrgyz market will now require more thorough legal preparation. Foreign exporters and agricultural holdings must adapt their corporate standards in advance to accommodate local cultural characteristics and commit to absolute transparency in their logistics and production processes.

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov has highly praised the economic prospects of the new transnational railway linking China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The head of state declared that the railway would become the country's "second Kumtor," comparing its transit revenue potential to the profits from the republic's largest gold mine. According to the president, the launch of this transport artery will lift Kyrgyzstan out of its transport isolation, turning it into a fully fledged transit state. He noted that revenues from cargo transit would be stable, long-term, and comparable to those generated by the Kumtor mine (whose net profit in 2025, as the head of state mentioned, reached USD 678 million). Sadyr Japarov emphasized that the project will create new jobs, significantly boost international trade, and transform the republic into a crucial transit corridor between East and West. Logistics implications for the food market For Chinese food producers and exporters, the launch of a direct railway connection through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan unlocks fundamentally new logistical opportunities. The new route is expected to cut transit times by 7 to 10 days compared to existing alternatives. Reduced delivery times are critical for transporting perishable food products, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and frozen goods. The railway will allow agricultural companies from China and Central Asia to lower transport costs and accelerate the delivery of food products both to domestic markets within the region and to destinations in the Middle East and Southern Europe. Under the current plans, the construction of the Kyrgyz section of the railway is scheduled to be completed by 2030.

The People’s Republic of China has overtaken the United States of America in international favorability for the first time. According to a global survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, nearly half of the respondents expressed a positive view of China. In contrast, the share of favorable views toward the US was only 36%. The large-scale survey included respondents from 36 countries. Researchers noted that the favorability gap in China’s favor is particularly pronounced in the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. The US outranked China in favorability in only six nations, including India, Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, Israel, and Poland. The growing positive perception of China on a global scale, particularly in the Middle Eastern and Asian markets, creates a favourable foundation for a large-scale expansion of Chinese food exports. Increased trust in the manufacturing country correlates directly with end-consumer loyalty to imported Chinese food products, including authentic groceries, fresh fruit, tea, and specialised food ingredients. This sociological shift provides Chinese food manufacturers and agricultural holdings with a strategic advantage to enter new retail markets and secure their positions in international food supply chains.