Russia, ASEAN Can Benefit From Cooperation in Transport, Energy Areas

SOCHI (Sputnik), Svetlana Alexandrova — Russia and ASEAN member states can benefit from cooperation in development of highways and maritime projects, as well as from joint work in the energy sector, adviser on strategic partnership with mutual development institutions at the World Bank Group Gilles Alfandari told Sputnik Thursday.

"A number of highway construction projects that may help to connect Asia with China and through China — with the rest of Europe, are looking for their investors. Russia and ASEAN will also benefit from investing into the development of maritime connectivity in the region, including investments in ports' infrastructure," Alfandari said on the sidelines of the Russia- ASEAN Business Forum in Sochi.

Alfandari added that Russia and ASEAN can also benefit from fostering business expansion and investing into different regional projects, including in the energy sector.

"Energy sector in the region can be of interest to Russian investors. Russia has a competitive advantage here, the needs of the region in this sector are huge," he said.

On May 19-20, Sochi hosts the Russia — ASEAN summit, marking the 20th anniversary of Russia — ASEAN relations. The Association of South-East Nations (ASEAN) comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.