On May 18, the China–Russia Forestry Education, Science, and Industry Innovation Alliance, jointly initiated by Northeast Forestry University (NEFU) and Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, was officially established in Harbin. As a practical step to implement the important consensus and joint statements reached by the heads of state of China and Russia, the Alliance marks a significant transition in bilateral forestry cooperation—from sporadic, institution-based exchanges to a new stage of systematic, institutionalized, and substantive collaboration.

Drawing on complementary forestry resources and a solid foundation for cooperation between the two countries, the Alliance integrates the strengths of universities, research institutes, and industry from both sides. It aims to build a transnational collaborative platform that integrates education, scientific research, industrial development, and cultural exchange, laying a solid foundation for long-term, stable cooperation in the forestry sector and contributing to regional green and low-carbon development and to global ecological governance.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Liu Shouxin, a member of the CPC NEFU Committee’s Standing Committee and vice president of the University.

In his remarks, Alexander Panfilov, Deputy Head of the Federal Forestry Agency of Russia, stated that the Alliance is committed to advancing science and technology, implementing research projects, and promoting forestry education—goals that closely align with the shared needs of governments, industries, and societies in both countries. He expressed confidence in his ability to support the Alliance’s future initiatives actively.

Cao Tiefeng, Deputy Director-General of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education, noted that member institutions should further strengthen exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian universities and organizations, promote educational innovation and joint scientific research, and develop the Alliance into a model of diversified, pragmatic bilateral cooperation.

Yi Zongyin, Deputy Director-General of the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, emphasized that the department would maintain close communication with universities, research institutes, and market entities and provide policy support and essential resources for technology transfer, industrial investment, and economic and trade cooperation among Alliance members in Heilongjiang Province.

In his address, NEFU President Song Wenlong stated that the University would use the Alliance as a platform to cultivate outstanding forestry professionals for both countries, as a support mechanism for establishing transnational scientific research collaboration, and as a bridge to foster diverse exchanges and cooperation.

Irina Melnychuk, President of Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, noted that the Alliance turns the geographical proximity of China and Russia into a powerful force for cooperation. She expressed confidence that the Alliance would advance the forestry industry toward greater technological sophistication, stronger ecological security, and greater economic efficiency.

Alexander Tretyakov, Acting Director of the All-Russian Research Institute of Forestry and Forestry Mechanization, outlined future areas of cooperation and affirmed his institute’s commitment to active participation in joint research projects, collaborative programs, academic conferences, and professional forums.

Speaking on behalf of Chinese enterprises, Liu Ming of Guangxi Fenglin Wood Industry Group stated that the Alliance offers a new platform for China–Russia forestry cooperation and that the company would fully support its development and deepen practical collaboration.

Alexander Lesin of Russia’s Ilim Group, speaking on behalf of Russian enterprises, noted that the company would contribute facilities, technology, and talent to support the Alliance and help elevate bilateral intellectual cooperation in forestry.

During the inauguration ceremony, representatives from the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Education, the Heilongjiang Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, Northeast Forestry University, Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, the Heilongjiang Academy of Forestry Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, Guangxi Fenglin Wood-Based Panel Group, and Russia’s Ilim Group jointly unveiled the Alliance plaque, marking the official launch of this important platform for transnational forestry cooperation.

To date, 48 universities, research institutes, and industry enterprises from China and Russia have formally joined the Alliance. Moving forward, the Alliance will focus on four key missions: joint talent cultivation, collaborative technological innovation, targeted industrial cooperation, and academic and cultural exchanges. By establishing a long-term cooperation mechanism and implementing project-based initiatives with clear objectives, the Alliance aims to build an efficient, pragmatic, and mutually beneficial community for transnational forestry cooperation.

On the day of its establishment, the China–Russia Forum on Sustainable Forestry Development was also held. Six distinguished experts and scholars from both countries, including Academician Ma Keping of NEFU and Professor Alexander Vasilyev of Saint Petersburg State Forest Technical University, delivered keynote speeches on frontier topics such as forest resource conservation, ecological restoration, advanced forest product processing, smart forestry, and green, low-carbon transformation. The forum facilitated academic exchanges and discussions on industrial development, providing strong intellectual support for collaborative innovation in the forestry sector.

At the forum’s closing ceremony, participants systematically reviewed the outcomes of the discussions, consolidated areas of consensus, and clarified pathways for future implementation. President Song Wenlong noted that forestry cooperation is long-term and has broad developmental potential, and that the Alliance has built a solid bridge for coordinated forestry development between China and Russia. As the Alliance’s leading institution, NEFU will focus on improving coordination mechanisms, deepening substantive cooperation, and expanding exchange channels. The University will actively promote collaboration in talent cultivation, joint scientific research, technology transfer, and the upgrading of the forestry industry. Through forestry cooperation, it seeks to strengthen China–Russia friendship, empower regional green development, and contribute to building a global ecological security barrier.

At the closed-door meeting held the same day, members reviewed and approved the Constitution of the China–Russia Forestry Education, Science and Industry Innovation Alliance, confirmed the first-term chair institution and the Secretary-General of the Alliance Secretariat, and adopted the annual key work plan. These measures established a solid institutional foundation for the Alliance’s standardized and sustainable operations. Following the meeting, a matchmaking session for Chinese and Russian member organizations was held, enabling face-to-face discussions and resulting in several expressions of intent to cooperate among universities, research institutes, and enterprises.