(Yicai Global) Nov. 10 -- China and Russia will step up efforts to build the Ice Silk Road, aiming to break new ground in bilateral economic and trade relations, Gao Feng, spokesman for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), said yesterday.

Russia is an important partner in the construction of the Belt and Road initiative, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted President Xi Jinping as saying during his visit to that country in July. He urged the two countries to carry out the Northern Sea Route cooperation to realize an "Ice Silk Road."

China and Russia have progressed their cooperation on development in the Arctic region, Gao said at a press conference in Beijing.

China COSCO Shipping Corp. has completed several trial trips on Arctic shipping routes, Gao said.

Transport departments from both countries are constantly improving policies and laws related to development in the Arctic, and Chinese and Russian companies are seeking cooperation on oil and gas exploration in the area, he said.

MOFCOM is joining forces with Russian authorities to promote the development and use of Arctic routes and to advance comprehensive collaboration on infrastructure construction, tourism and scientific expeditions in the area, said Gao.