VLADIVOSTOK, Dec. 28 -- One of Vladivostok's priorities was to develop international economic, tourism, cultural and scientific cooperation with China, said Vladivostok Mayor Igor Pushkarev.

"According to my estimates, Chinese companies are the leaders among the foreign partners. I can say that they are our friends, and we have huge projects for joint cooperation," Pushkarev told Xinhua in a recent interview.

He also noted that the development of transport infrastructure would be mutually beneficial for both Russia and China.

"It is beneficial for China, because Chinese companies' products will be cheaper on the global market, as it can be transported over a shorter route. Beneficial for us, because we would have a workload and development," explained Pushkarev.

He also saw a great potential in tourism. "We invite Chinese investors to build a hotel chain and to develop these areas jointly," he said.

He stressed that there are a lot of joint plans with China, which are largely blueprinted due to the geographical location of Vladivostok.