Government committed to developing strong ties with Russia: Sindh chief minister

Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Vice-Governor of Saint Petersburg, Alexander Prokhorenko have signed a protocol, drawn up as a result of negotiation on co-operation between the two sides as a follow-up of the official visit of the President Asif Ali Zardari earlier this year.
The signing ceremony was held on 25th of October, 2011 in the Office of the Governor St. Petersburg, Russia. Earlier, Vice-Governor of St. Petersburg gave a detailed briefing about history, economic trade and education system in the region. Alexander informed the Chief Minister Sindh that Russian Federation desires to extend friendship to the people of Pakistan through the energy projects initiated in northern parts of the countries.
He said that the industrial and intellectual co-operation is very useful for both the sides. This will usher a new era of co-operation. He said that bilateral trade between St. Petersburg and Pakistan is less than 100 million dollars, which needs to be increased significantly. It is desired that investment activity be two way and Pakistani businessmen may also be encouraged to invest in St. Petersburg. He also suggested that business communities of Pakistan and St. Petersburg should visit and develop close liaison, which will lead to sustainable economic development.
Later Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah briefed Vice-Governor said that the present democratic government of Pakistan under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari is committed to develop strong relationship between Pakistan and Russia. He said that Russia is very important country for Pakistan and the guidelines of the protocol will be helpful in developing and maintaining close relationship between the two countries.
He informed that Pakistan, specially the province of Sindh has very lucrative investment opportunities for which a focal department has been created to facilitate such investment. The objectives of the protocol are to assist developing co-operation, experience exchange and implementation of joint development production, engineering technology, financial services.
It is also intended to exchange delegations to promote information exchange and technology based on mutually developed projects. The protocol aims to carry out approval procedure through a draft agreement in accordance with the laws of Russian Federation and Islamic Republic of Pakistan.
The protocol is to be followed by an agreement on co-operation between the two sides. The agreement enunciates to expand co-operation in the areas of health care, social development, youth, sports and long-term co-operation in the areas of industrial production, construction, planning, city management, energy, telecommunication and city public transport. The agreement also undertakes to establish co-operation in tourism development on modern lines, which includes exhibition and fair activities. All this is expected to be achieved through regular working meetings, consultations and negotiations.-PR