MOSCOW, September 19. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov the interest of Central Asian countries in attracting Russian companies, as well as their demand for modern Russian technologies and equipment.
"Our neighboring Central Asian countries have a steady interest in attracting Russian companies to stimulate business activity, which also contributes to deepening economic integration in accordance with agreements reached at the presidential and head of government level," he said at a meeting of the Business Council under the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Lavrov stressed that Russia remains one of the leading trade and economic partners of the Central Asian states.
"Our combined trade turnover with them exceeds $45 billion per year. Around 24,000 companies with Russian capital operate in Central Asia, joint projects are being implemented, the share of settlements in national currencies is growing, and transport and logistics infrastructure is improving," he added.
According to the Foreign Minister, partners welcome Russia's expanded participation in infrastructure projects. The use of resources from the Eurasian Development Bank and relevant programs of the Eurasian Economic Commission is a significant support for them.
