MOSCOW, October 11 (RIA Novosti) - The speaker of the Russian parliament's lower house said Tuesday that Canadian business investment in the country could aggregate $3-5 billion in the next few years.
"The $1.2 billion invested in the Russian economy last year is a good indicator of the confidence that Canadian business has [in our economy]," Boris Gryzlov told delegates of the Canadian House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Peter Milliken.
Gryzlov said trade between Canada and Russia aggregated $1.4 billion in 2004.
"It is not enough, but the growth rates of 70% last year and 60% in the first half of this year are satisfactory," Gryzlov said.
He said bilateral relations were developing in all areas, including between parliaments.
Gryzlov said joint efforts within the G8 and in the trade and economic sphere were also a priority.
According to Gryzlov, the G8 agenda during Russia's presidency beginning next year will include the fight against terrorism, energy issues and healthcare development.
Gryzlov also said climate changes had to be studied together, and bird flu and other dangerous diseases had to be curbed in time through international cooperation.
