Russia and EBRD appraise past achievements, map out new plans for the future
At a meeting in August in Moscow, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Thomas Mirow, the president of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) greatly praised the high productivity level of their cooperation, while mapping out new and ambitious plans for further deepening the ongoing cooperation in sectors deemed strategic to the Russian economy.
“We have very good, old relations with the EBRD, which is evident in the bank’s more than $11bln investments into projects in sectors that are very vital to our economy,” he said. “These sectors, first and foremost, include the auto industry, and specifically, the Volkswagen subsidiary in Kaluga and the Toyota plant in St. Petersburg, and the modernization of energy networks in several Russian regions.” Putin also noted that the government is closely following the EBRD’s ongoing preparation of new investment programs for Russia for 2010-12.
From his part, Mirow noted his readiness to continue the bank’s productive cooperation with Russia. “I wish to emphasize once again that we are ready to participate actively in the realization of projects in areas that have been designated as priority sectors for the country’s development. This includes modernization and improvement of infrastructural objects,” he added. “Also, we see huge potential of Russia in the field of energy and energy efficiency and consider it important to invest into diversification of the Russian economy.”
In other developments, the EBRD president has declared his readiness to help the Sayano-Shushensk Hydropower Station to clear up the terrible negative consequences of the tragic accident that took place at the plant in August. “If we can in any way help to overcome these consequences, we are ready to use offer best efforts.”
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