KAZAN -- Chinas rapid economic growth creates a huge market for Russias energy exports, said Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan on Wednesday.

Economic development needs energy while energy exports have to look for markets, said Wang while visiting an oil field in Russias Udermurt Republic on Wednesday.

Wang started his visit to Russia on Monday and attended the seventh round of the Sino-Russian energy negotiators meeting.

Russia, which is rich in energy resources and enjoys advantages in such sectors as oil and gas exploration and extraction, as well as chemical industry, could be Chinas secure, long-term and reliable energy supplier, Wang said.

The vice-premier hailed China-Russia oil cooperation, noting that the joint adventure set up by Sinopec, Chinas oil giant, and Russias Rosneft since 2006 has not only benefited the local people, but also Chinas companies.

Also on Wednesday, Wang met Rustam Minnikhanov, president of Russias Tatarstan Republic.

During his stay in Russia, Wang also met with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. After the meeting, the two nations signed a document on gas cooperation.