"With Russian entrepreneurs' increasing interest in participation in Montenegro's economic life, trade and economic cooperation between the two countries is on the rise," said Gryzlov.
The bilateral trade turnover grew in 2003 in comparison with the previous year by 34 percent to reach $1.4 billion. Russia now ranks second only to Germany among the main foreign economic partners of Serbia and Montenegro; talks on mutual debts are coming to an end.
Gryzlov cited Russia's involvement in the construction and reconstruction of a number of power facilities in Serbia and Montenegro.
According to the Speaker, Russian business is eager to invest in joint projects. In his opinion, Russian entrepreneurs are often more active than their Western partners who are rather hesitant to invest in the Balkan economy. Among the projects of mutual benefit is the privatization of the aluminum plant in Podgorica. Russian companies intend to take part in a tender on this enterprise, he said.
One should not ignore Russian companies' mounting enthusiasm about the tourist sphere of Montenegro, added the Duma Speaker.
