Siberia can catch the Chinese wind of growth, says 'China Daily'

The incoming President is expected to 'strengthen' his partnership with China, stated the newspaper, citing analysts in both countries.

The newspaper stressed approvingly a Putin election campaign comment. 'I am convinced that China's economic growth is by no means a threat, but a challenge that carries colossal potential for business cooperation — a chance to catch the Chinese wind in the sails of our economy', he said.

China became Russia's top trading partner for the first time in 2010, and the countries have an ambitious goal of doubling trade to $100 million by 2015.

The key regions of Russian that can benefit are Siberia and the Far East of Russia, said Vladimir Frolov, president of government relations firm LEFF Group.

Frolov said Putin 'has a strong commercial relationship with China. We understand that China will buy more and more gas. There's popular demand for cleaner fuel in China. And Russia stands the best chance to supply … natural gas to China'.

In return, China can offer Russia expertise in infrastructure construction — highways, high-speed rail, ports, bridges and tunnels, he said.

'Russia badly needs major infrastructure development, particularly highway construction and high-speed rail, not only in the Far East and Siberia, but also in European parts of Russia. So Chinese contractors and companies could be welcomed', he added.

Zhang Deguang, former Chinese ambassador to Russia, strongly praised Putin as a visionary politician and a great patriot who will revive Russia.

'There is room for the two countries to cooperate in coordinating regional and global affairs', said Zhang.