Swiss Ambassador comments on investments in Russian economy

Swiss investments in Russian economy have amounted to $700m, WalterFetscherin, Swiss Ambassador to Russia, told journalists today. He pointedout that Switzerland was among the first ten countries with the largestvolume of direct investments in Russian economy. The trade volume betweenthe two countries was about $3.5bn in 2001.The Ambassador declared that in Moscow in the period from September 16 to22 the Days of Switzerland would be held aimed at providing Russiancitizens with more information about this country. This event envisages anexhibition of Swiss architecture and round table meetings devoted tobilateral economic relations. The Ambassador noted that some $600,000 wouldbe spent on organizing the Days of Switzerland in Russia.Products of the machine building industry occupy the major share in thestructure of Swiss exports to Russia (28.5 percent). Products ofpharmaceutical enterprises comprise 19.2 percent, watches 13.9 percent, andproducts of chemical enterprises 11.4 percent. Russian exports toSwitzerland are precious metals (95.4 percent) and energy resources (2.4percent)..