Official sources told Business Recorder that this is for the first time after 39 years that a high level official Russian delegation is visiting Pakistan which also includes a large number of Russian businessmen.
They said Evgeny V. Dod, Director General of Inter Rao UES, Russian energy giant, along with the top managers of his company are also part of the Premier Fradkov's delegation.
Inter Rao UES is one of the leading companies of the world with a turnover of $30billion in its business of export and import of energy. Russian energy firms including Inter Rao UES have expressed deep interest in investment opportunities in Pakistan particularly in Hydel power sector.
Sources said that in continuation of sound relation building process with Pakistan's power sector through earlier visits starting two years back, Evgeny V. Dod will be meeting Federal Minister for Water and Power, Liaqat Jatoi. He will also meet federal Minister for Privatisation and Investment Zahid Hamid, Chairman WAPDA and Chairman Private power Infrastructure Board to discuss prospects of co-operation between Pakistan and Russia in energy sector.
The Russian Prime Minister will hold in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to set a substantive economic agenda for mutual benefit of both the countries. He will also call on the President and address a gathering of businessmen.
A number of agreements are expected to be signed during the visit relating to Railways, Narcotics control and exchanges in cultural, educational, sports and scientific fields.
Sources said that good prospects exist of joint collaboration between Pakistan and Russia in sectors such as oil and gas, railways, construction of coal, thermal and hydel power generation. Pakistan and Russia are also expected to reactivate the inter-governmental commission on trade, economic, scientific and technical co-operation during the Russian Prime Minister's visit.