Russian Export To Czech Republic May Increase

Russia's export to the Czech Republic may increase by 12% during the current year, officials in the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry said in connection with the upcoming visit to Prague by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. The trade turnover between Russia and the Czech Republic amounted to $1.216 billion over the first six months of 2001, exceeding by 15% indices for the same period last year. Officials added that energy supplies' share in the Russian export to the Czech Republic would exceed 80%. Despite the recent years' stable debit balance of Russia in trade with the Czech Republic, the ministry's experts think that efficiency of the Russian foreign trade is restricted by the raw material export orientation. During his visit Mikhail Kasyanov is due to discuss issues of boosting bilateral trade considering the Czech Republic's forthcoming membership in the European Union and the negotiations on Russia's joining the World Trade Organization.