Mr Zubkov and Mr Charest discussed current issues regarding Russian and Canadian cooperation in trade, the economy, agriculture, the energy industry, mechanical engineering, education and culture. They discussed in particular detail the participation of Canadian, especially Quebec, companies in Sochi Olympic projects. “I also consider our Olympic cooperation important, including the construction of the transport infrastructure for the 2014 Winter Olympics,” said Mr Zubkov.
“We consider the implementation of joint business projects to be a key factor in achieving sustained development and economic growth. In that respect we recognise that India has for a great many years proved our reliable partner. We have many promising areas such as mineral extraction, metallurgy, energy, the jewellery and chemical industries, pharmaceutics, aviation, machine-building, space, transport and communications.”
"I am pleased to note that even during the global financial and economic downturn, we have not only sustained but actually increased the level of our trade and economic relations – trade has grown by 8%. "
“The investigation into the causes of the recent accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant has shown a number of reasons for the tragedy such as violations of technology regulations and the inadequate quality of equipment and of legislation. This is why we must make prompt decisions to ensure fundamentally new standards of safety and reliability for power generating facilities.”
“Every necessary measure is being taken to investigate the circumstances of this tragedy. The Emergencies Ministry is conducting additional inspections on concert halls, clubs and other similar facilities of mass recreation. This work has started. But the main thing now is to save those who have suffered burns and injuries. Many are in serious condition.”
Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko reported to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on the results of the recent meeting of the Russian-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation in Tehran.
According to Sberbank CEO German Gref, Sberbank of Russia has fully reinstated all types of credit available before crisis and started granting loans to individuals in foreign currency at pre-crisis interest rates.
At the meeting, Mr Putin and Mr Mordashov discussed Severstal’s results for the year.
At the meeting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Roman Kopin, the Governor of the Chukotka Autonomous Area, discussed the social and economic situation in the region.