Present-day Russia leads the world for dynamic economic progress. It is integrating into the global economy. Germany aims to remain Russia's principal economic partner, and establish ever closer links with it, he said in an interview with Rossiiskaya Gazeta published on Saturday, December 18.
This year's first nine months sent the Russian-German trade turnover 17% up to 22 billion Euro, added Mr. Schroeder, who hopes the progress will be even more rapid after Russia joins the World Trade Organization.
Energy will remain in the foreground as the two countries build up economic contacts. Russian- and German-based companies alike have ample opportunities for progress in that field.
Updating the Russian infrastructure and industry is another priority. Here, Russia offers ample room to join hands with German industrial companies, in particular, power plant machinery, telecommunications, water economy, sewage filtering, and updating railways, the chancellor went on.
It is necessary to promote entrepreneurial activities in Russia, he added.
No other country has invested in the Russian market more than Germany ever since the early 1990s. Its capital investment now exceeds $10 billion.
German companies are well aware of Russia's huge market potential, with its 150 million consumers. They are determined to take ever-firmer root in Russia not only for commodities exports but for consumer services, as well, said Gerhard Schroeder.
