Under the five-year agreement, the parties will develop a framework for cooperation on the rational use of the republic's industrial and research potential, will hold joint research programs, conferences and working meetings on issues of mutual interest, and will establish businesses in Bashkortostan.
The parties said that close contacts had been established between the republic and the Russian gas monopoly, and that joint gas supply efforts were being taken, for which Gazprom has already given the republic 65 million rubles ($2.48 million) and will appropriate another 500 million rubles ($19 million).
The government of Bashkortostan has so far invested 238 million rubles ($ 9.08 million).
Alexei Miller said that under an agreement with Salavatnefteorgsintez (SNOS), whose shares were ceded to Gazprom control in 2003, the local company's production facilities would be modernized.
In addition, Gazprom will invest in the republic's energy sector and the construction of new generating facilities for Bashkirenergo.
The Russian gas monopoly will also take part in the modernization of the Salavat thermal power plant, and could later join the construction of a 200 MW thermal power plant near Ufa, the republic's capital.
