ARKHANGELSK, Russia, Sept. 21 (Xinhua) -- The development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), the shortest maritime route connecting Asia and Europe, will bring benefits to global trade, Governor of Russia's Arkhangelsk Region Alexander Tsybulsky has said.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Tsybulsky said that year-round navigation is expected to be achieved within the next five to six years, thanks to technological advancements and related efforts.

The route, with its strategic significance and logistical potential, will have a substantive positive impact on global trade once year-round operation is realized, he added.

Tsybulsky said that the Arkhangelsk region holds a key position in the layout of the NSR. For example, the Arctic Express No. 1, a sea-rail intermodal logistics line linking Moscow, Arkhangelsk and ports in China, could cut transportation time by up to 25 days, significantly reducing both delivery time and logistics costs.

Regarding the cooperation between the Arkhangelsk region and China, Tsybulsky said the region mainly supplies wood-processing products to Chinese clients, while China exports technologies, machinery and auto parts to the region.

China has always been a reliable partner for Arkhangelsk, and the two sides have established good ties, Tsybulsky said. "We see growing interest from our Chinese partners. I believe the prospects for bilateral trade are very promising." ■