Hainan Free Trade Port: Launch of Independent Customs Operations Island-Wide

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

russian.china.org.cn | December 18, 2025

Keywords: Hainan Free Trade Port

Source: russian.china.org.cn

Hainan Free Trade Port: Launching Island-Wide Independent Customs Operations The entire island of Hainan will be completely transformed into a special customs control zone with an "inside the country but outside the customs territory" management model.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Live king crabs from Russia were transported from Jilin Province to Hong Kong for the first time as part of the transit trade.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Changchun, December 18 (Xinhua) — In just nine hours, including customs clearance, 650 kilograms of live king crabs from Russia were airlifted from Changchun Longjia International Airport, capital of Northeast China's Jilin Province, to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). This method of transportation significantly reduced the time required to deliver perishable seafood.

Tuesday's shipment marked the first time that Jilin Province has used the bonded logistics model under a comprehensive bonded zone to handle the transit trade of live king crabs.

Jilin Province's foreign trade has shown steady growth in recent years. According to data, in 2024, approximately 1.5 million king crabs worth approximately 3.31 billion yuan were imported into China through the Hunchun port, accounting for over 80 percent of the country's total seafood imports.

The city of Hunchun is located in the eastern part of Jilin Province, at the junction of the state borders of China, Russia and the DPRK.

According to Huang Jianfeng, deputy director of customs at Longjia Airport, the successful implementation of the live king crab transit trade is due to several factors, including Hunchun's geographical proximity to Russia, the flexibility of the comprehensive bonded zone policy, and the airport's efficient transportation capabilities.

“The new model not only reduces operating costs for enterprises, but also eliminates key bottlenecks in the seafood supply chain,” he said, adding that “this lays the foundation for turning Jilin into a national distribution center for imported king crabs from Russia and connecting with international markets.” -0-

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Marat Khusnullin chaired a meeting of the organizing committee for the 2026 International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum."

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin chaired a regular meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the 2026 International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum." The meeting was attended by the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Deputy Chairman of the Forum Organizing Committee Rustam Minnikhanov, representatives of federal ministries and agencies, and other members of the organizing committee.

"This is the fourth time that KazanForum will be held as a federal-level event. The forum has already proven its effectiveness as a unique platform for strengthening multilateral economic and humanitarian cooperation between Russia and the countries of the Islamic world. Our priority, in line with the objectives of the national project 'Infrastructure for Life,' will be increasing non-energy exports, as well as financing and developing tourism. The forum program is almost complete. We have agreed to hold several meetings of intergovernmental commissions on its sidelines and are launching an invitation campaign this year. Our shared goal is to organize the 2026 event at the highest level, making it even more meaningful and productive for businesses, regions, and the state. KazanForum attracts more and more participants each year, and it is a valuable tool for export growth and the economies of our countries," said Marat Khusnullin.

The meeting participants discussed in detail the progress of preparations for the forum, which will be held in Kazan in May 2026. The main business program events are scheduled for May 14–15. During the meeting, interim results were reviewed in all key areas: the development of the business program and exhibition display, organizational, transportation, medical support, security, and the cultural and sports program.

"We see growing interest from our domestic and international colleagues in the Kazan platform, which is designed to serve as a venue for meeting, dialogue, and cooperation between our country and the Islamic world. Half of the Republic of Tatarstan's total trade turnover with foreign countries is with countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. In the first nine months of this year, it exceeded $5.1 billion. In 2026, KazanForum will be held as part of a significant event: Kazan's status as the cultural capital of the Islamic world. This underscores the city's importance as a center of Islamic culture and heritage, as well as its role in intercultural dialogue. We highly appreciate the contribution of all partners, agencies, and federal executive bodies that submitted their proposals for the forum's business program. I am confident that, through our joint efforts, the upcoming KazanForum will be organized to a high and distinguished standard," noted Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President of Russia and Executive Secretary of the Organizing Committee, announced that the 2026 International Economic Forum "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" will be held under the motto "From Points on the Map to Points of Growth: Combining Technological and Financial Initiatives." He stated that cooperation in these areas is of strategic importance for strengthening Russia's partnership with Islamic countries and transforming individual projects into sustainable centers of economic growth.

"The value of the KazanForum discussion platform lies in creating opportunities to transform geopolitical ties into sustainable economic growth points, ensuring expanded trade and access to new markets in the face of global challenges. The forum's business program is aimed at developing concrete solutions and fostering long-term partnerships in key areas of cooperation, including facilitating the implementation of Russian President Vladimir Putin's instructions to increase non-energy exports to diversify the country's economy," emphasized Anton Kobyakov.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: On December 18, 2025, JSC KAVKAZ.RF will hold a deposit auction.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Parameters;

The deposit auction date is 18.12.2025. Placement currency is RUB. The maximum amount of funds placed (in the placement currency) is 100,000. Placement term, days – 5. Date of depositing funds is 19.12.2025. Date of return of funds is 24.12.2025. Minimum placement interest rate, % per annum is 13. Terms of the conclusion, urgent or special (Urgent). The minimum amount of funds placed for one application (in the placement currency) is 100,000. The maximum number of applications from one Participant, pcs. 1. Auction form, open or closed (Open).

The basis of the Agreement is the General Agreement. Schedule (Moscow time). Preliminary bids from 10:00 to 10:10. Competitive bids from 10:10 to 10:15. The cutoff percentage may be set or the auction may be declared void by 10:25. Additional terms and conditions.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Pay for any purchases with Shares.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: T-Bank –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Shares is a T-Bank service that allows you to split the cost of a purchase into four parts: you receive the item immediately and pay for it gradually over six weeks.

Previously, the service was only available at our partner online and offline stores. Now, you can use Shares to pay for clothing, cosmetics, baby items, and other items at any retail location. You can also split everyday payments into shares, such as internet, TV, mobile phone bills, tuition, utilities, transportation, and games in the T-Bank app.

The service is available to all customers and works everywhere: in the "Payments" section of the T-Bank app, in our partner apps, in online and offline stores, when paying by QR code, or by phone with T-Pay on Android.

When you sign up, you'll receive ₽30,000 in Shares for purchases. This limit is renewed monthly. The more you use the service, the higher the limit. The maximum amount is ₽70,000.

How to pay for a purchase in Shares

It all depends on the payment method.

Using your Black card or T-Pay on Android. In the T-Bank app, select your Black card account and tap "In Shares" in the upper right corner. After this, all future purchases will be split into shares until you tap "In Shares" again → "Disable Shared Payments."

If you use an Android smartphone, you can pay for your purchases with Doli contactlessly—just tap your phone on the terminal at the checkout.

When you pay, 25% of the total amount and a service fee will be debited from your account; the remaining three payments will be debited automatically every two weeks.

Via QR code. Scan the QR code using the smart camera in the T-Bank app. To do this, tap "Scan QR code" on the app's main screen. Or simply use your smartphone's camera.

The payment screen will then open. Select the "Pay in Shares" option: to do this, slide the toggle switch to the right and make sure it's blue. Click the "Pay" button. You'll then see a screen with transaction details.

The "Share" service is currently available for payments using QR codes from Sber and SBP. Starting in January, QR codes from T-Bank will be added to this list.

In the "Payments" section of the T-Bank app, select the desired payment—for example, "Housing and Utilities," "Government Services," or "Education." Enter the amount and select "Pay in Installments" → "Pay."

Why pay for purchases with Shares?

The service allows you to split your payment into four equal installments. This way, you'll receive the item immediately, as if you'd paid for the entire purchase.

You can easily track your repayment schedule in the T-Bank app.

Doli makes budgeting easy. Here are the service's key benefits:

No need to save: you pick up the item and pay only a portion of its cost. For example, you can use Shares to pay for sneakers on sale and lock in a great price, even if you're short on cash right now. There's no long-term commitment. You'll have time to pay for the entire purchase within six weeks, and you can pay the rest early if you like. The purchase won't break your budget. If you're planning on buying something large, like a refrigerator or a new laptop, you won't have to spend a large amount upfront and save on other expenses.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Alexander Novak met with members of the board of directors of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak met with members of the board of directors of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

At the meeting, the parties discussed the most pressing issues facing business and industry. They touched on the implementation of the recently approved plan for structural changes in the economy, which aims to coordinate the work of federal government agencies, regions, and businesses amid ongoing transformations. The plan includes seven areas, including employment structure, consumption structure, technological development, the quality of the investment climate, foreign trade, the "whitening" of certain economic sectors, and improving the effectiveness of defense and security. One of the key tools for implementing the plan is the national business model, which defines more than 40 target indicators and over 250 measures.

"Despite challenging external conditions and internal challenges, the country's economy is showing positive momentum. Over the past three years, GDP growth will approach 10%. Inflation has slowed significantly: forecasts put it at 6% by the end of the year, which is below the forecast. Cumulative real investment growth over the past four years has reached 36%. The main drivers of the economy are manufacturing, mechanical engineering, agriculture, and construction. We are seeing positive dynamics in the oil and gas sector and cargo turnover, particularly in exports," noted Alexander Novak.

The Deputy Prime Minister also took part in the awards ceremony for the winners of the annual "Leaders of Investment Development – 2025" award at the RSPP. The award aims to reward regional investment teams and improve their efficiency and effectiveness.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Financial news: About the expiration date of futures-margined options.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Attention participants of the futures market!

Please note that for the futures-style options on the common shares of PJSC Gazprom with contract code GAZR-3.26M210126******* the execution date is 14.01.2026

Contact information for media: 7 (495) 363-3232PR@moex.com

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Sobyanin presented a project for the development of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, including the introduction of new metro stations.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Sergei Sobyanin He presented a new urban development plan for the Skolkovo Innovation Center (IC), which includes the construction of three metro stations on its premises and new industrial, educational, and cultural facilities nearby. He delivered the corresponding report at a meeting of the Skolkovo Foundation Board of Trustees chaired by Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation.

"Skolkovo is already developing into a fully-fledged district of Moscow, a mini-city with 28,000 specialists and residents living there. And we see that the project, despite certain challenges, is actively developing," the Moscow Mayor said. "In accordance with your instructions and legislative amendments, Moscow has updated Skolkovo's grand development plan, the master plan, and analyzed the efficiency of its use."

Sergei Sobyanin outlined several areas for the innovation center's development, including improving transport accessibility and enhancing the quality of the urban environment within the Skolkovo area. Taking into account both the development dynamics and the construction parameters, once the project is completed, approximately 100,000 people will study, work, and live there.

"And what's most unique is that a typical district, if you take a Moscow district with a population of 100,000, would have 70,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. Here, it's the opposite—70,000 jobs, 17,000 residents, plus students," Sergei Sobyanin explained.

Based on this, it is proposed to make a decision on building a metro system in Skolkovo and extending the Filevskaya Line. This will create two stations within Moscow, before the Moscow Ring Road (MKAD), and three stations after the MKAD, which will be located directly in Skolkovo.

"Thus, the entire Filevskaya line will consist of 18 metro stations, making it approximately 35-40 minutes to the city center. This represents significant additional transportation support, transport opportunities that could allow for the calm and dynamic development of the area without the risk of a catastrophic transport collapse," the Moscow Mayor explained.

He added that the new urban development plan for Skolkovo is closely linked to future metro stations, as the business district will be most actively developed around them.

"The first part is the northern section near Skoltech, which itself is beginning to generate higher-rise office buildings, technology parks, and some residential space," added Sergei Sobyanin. "And, crucially, it provides the opportunity to actively develop Skoltech, its second phase. The project is approximately 150,000 square meters; the first section, as a reminder, was 136,000 square meters. Therefore, being as close as possible to the metro station, it will have a completely different, more attractive appearance."

The Moscow government will actively support the development of the material component of Skoltech University.

"The central section is connected to the construction of a second metro station. We propose locating it in the central section on the Minsk Highway side. Combined with the Moscow Central Diameter 1 (MCD-1) station located on the opposite side of the Minsk Highway, they will form a major transportation hub. The intersection with the road, the MCD station, and the metro station creates a significant transportation hub. Therefore, we propose using the adjacent land for the construction of a modern 168,000-square-meter expo center. It will include an exhibition area, a convention zone, a public and retail area, and hotels," the Moscow Mayor added.

Skolkovo clusters

Sergei Sobyanin also announced that the first phase of the video game and animation cluster opened this year, with the second phase scheduled for 2026.

"Near this cluster is the so-called teachers' quarter, which is unfinished. It was purchased by investors, and it is proposed to be used as a college for training specialists for companies in the creative industries and high technology. It is located nearby and will harmoniously complement this complex," explained the Moscow Mayor.

He also discussed the development of the southern part of Skolkovo, where the medical cluster is located and the third metro station will be located. A decision has been made to provide rental housing there for the families of the innovation center's employees and companies that are residents of the international medical cluster.

"Within the medical cluster itself, we're increasing the area of the completed construction to 1,302,000 square meters. This is a significant increase due to the redistribution of some medical space," noted Sergei Sobyanin. "We propose using the freed-up space for research, production, and public facilities, educational facilities, and rental housing."

The ground floors of buildings in new technology parks and other developments will be commercially active, housing restaurants, shops, pharmacies, banks, and salons.

"The main urban planning concept for further development is the creation of a self-sufficient urban area, essentially a city within a city. A self-sufficient area means, first and foremost, the maximum variety of functions, ensuring that residents of the innovation center have the most favorable conditions for study, work, creativity, and recreation. The total area of scientific and industrial business infrastructure will thus increase from 1,847,000 to 2,539,000 square meters—an increase of 692,000 square meters. In other words, Skolkovo's primary purpose is scientific, industrial, and innovative function," emphasized Sergei Sobyanin.

He also said that a medical college will be built on the territory of the medical cluster.

At the presentation of the Skolkovo development plan, Dmitry Medvedev noted that the project is unique not only for Russia, but for the entire world.

"This will be a completely unique place, not only for Russia, but also, probably, for other similar projects around the world, because such density is truly almost impossible to achieve anywhere else," he said.

Dmitry Medvedev also added that the opening of new metro stations will increase the city center's investment appeal. He explained that this isn't just about bringing in companies with capital, but also about bringing in a large number of employees and specialists who value transportation accessibility.

Subscribe to Sergei Sobyanin's official channels on messengers MAX And Telegram.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Norway announced it would allocate $314 million to Ukraine for the purchase of air defense systems and ammunition for F-16 fighter jets.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

OSLO, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) — The Norwegian government on Wednesday announced a new military aid package for Ukraine worth about 3.2 billion Norwegian crowns (314 million U.S. dollars), focusing on ammunition for F-16 fighter jets and modern air defense systems.

Funding is provided through the JUMPSTART initiative, a mechanism based on the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. This initiative allows Norway to purchase complete military equipment and support packages directly from the US Department of Defense, ensuring rapid delivery.

According to Norwegian authorities, the military aid package will be delivered shortly. It includes over NOK 1 billion worth of ammunition for F-16s, as well as funding for upgrading inexpensive missiles into precision-guided weapons for use by aircraft or ground-based air defense systems. An additional NOK 500 million has been allocated for S-300 surface-to-air missile systems.

The new package brings Norway's total contribution to the JUMPSTART programme by 2025 to almost NOK 10 billion. /NOK 1 = US$0.098/. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

The 38th Exhibition and Fair of Russian Folk Arts and Crafts, "LADYA. Winter's Tale – 2025," opened in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Moscow, December 17 (Xinhua) — The 38th Russian Folk Arts and Crafts Exhibition and Fair "LADYA. Winter's Tale – 2025" opened in the Russian capital on Wednesday.

During the event, more than 1,500 participants from 70 regions of the country will showcase their best works: from traditional ceramics and wood painting to exquisite jewelry and lace.

At the opening ceremony, Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that this event is not only a stunning exhibition but also a fair and a cultural phenomenon. "We are so deeply rooted in our culture, so rich in our crafts and trades, this constitutes a colossal, amazing, and very nurturing foundation for our progress," the Russian diplomat emphasized.

Veronika Nikishina, General Director of the Russian Export Center, stated that Russian folk crafts are in demand not only in the domestic market but also abroad. "This demand is driving the development of the creative industry. And I would like to point out that the economic component of the folk crafts industry has been developing well in our country recently. Speaking of export opportunities, we are proud that these products, when exported to foreign markets, shape and convey the Russian cultural code," Nikishina stated.

"LADYA" is a unique platform created in 2002 to support and develop folk arts and crafts, preserve a unified cultural space, and revive the traditional spiritual values of the peoples of Russia. The project presents a panorama of the entire spectrum of traditional art in the country.

The 38th Exhibition and Fair of Folk Arts and Crafts of Russia "LADYA. Winter's Tale – 2025" will be held from December 17 to 21 at the Timiryazev Center Exhibition Complex. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.