A senior Chinese legislator on Wednesday called for closer regional-level cooperation between China and Russia as part of joint efforts to boost bilateral ties.

"Regional cooperation enriches the strategic partnership between China and Russia and has become a highlight in bilateral ties," Uyunqimg, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, told the fourth Baikal Economic Forum. The regional development plans adopted by the two countries "provide opportunities for forging closer regional links, particularly for the neighboring regions of the two countries," she said.

Uyunqimg called for government policies aimed at facilitating cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises and closer business ties in such areas as high-tech, machinery, electronics, energy, telecommunications, forestry and farm produce.

China and Russia can "share experience in building special economic zones and boost mutual investment," she said.

She also expressed the hope for extensive exchanges in education, culture, health care and tourism between the two countries.

The forum, which opened Wednesday in the Siberian city of Irkutsk, gathered some 1,100 business people, officials and experts from over 20 countries.

Participants will discuss ways to boost cooperation in energy, transportation, environmental protection and natural resources development between Russia's Siberia, Far East and the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: Xinhua