Trade Volume Between Russia And Portugal Reaches $126 Mln In First Half Of 2001

In the first half of 2001, the trade between Russia and Portugal totaled $126 million, said official spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Alexander Yakovlenko in connection with the upcoming visit of Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio to Russia. The diplomat said that the Russian export totaled $117.8 million and import $8.2 million. The core of the Russian export is made up of oil and oil products, metals and rolled iron, fish and fish products, agricultural goods, cotton yarn, and fabrics. Russia imports mainly machinery, equipment, cork, paper products, footwear, clothing, chemical products, and grape wine. In Mr. Yakovenko's opinion, the upcoming talks will seek to encourage investment and technological cooperation. Other topics will include raising the efficiency of the work of the intergovernmental mixed commission. This is why Portuguese Minister of Economy and a large group of leading businessmen from this country will accompany Portugal's president. During the visit, a business seminar will be held. The seminar participants will comprise representatives of Russian and Portuguese business circles, the diplomat said.