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Secretary Don Evans Promotes Greater Economic Partnership with Russia

Increased Trade, Greater Investment Objectives for Meeting

Washington, DC - Secretary of Commerce Don Evans today reaffirmed his support for stronger commercial ties between the United States and Russia and for increasing trade and investment between the two nations. Secretary Evans will be traveling to Russia today with Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill. They will meet National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice, who is already in Moscow.

Recent years have seen the economic relationship grow dramatically between the U.S. and Russia. Trade between the nations topped $10 billion in 2000, with the United States investing $2.3 billion in the Russian economy.

"I look forward to continuing the conversation that President Bush and President Putin started about further developing the economic relationship between our two countries," said Evans. "Stronger economic ties between the U.S. and Russia will promote economic growth, increased innovation, greater productivity and a better quality of life for all of our people."

Secretary Evans also applauded the creation of the Russian-American Business Dialogue to increase business-to-business cooperation by the two nations. The new dialogue will provide American firms, including small and medium sized businesses from both countries, new opportunities to increase trade and strengthen their commercial ties.

"The Russian-American Business Dialogue will provide a format for Russian and American businesses to address obstacles to trade and investment," stated Evans. "These businesses will have the opportunity to communicate their concerns to both governments. Increased communication can only expand opportunities for businesses in both countries"

During the trip, Secretary Evans will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Minister of Economic Development and Trade German Gref, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksey Kudrin as well as members of the Duma. Secretary Evans will also visit a Boeing facility, tour MosFlowline, a joint U.S.-Russia business partnership, and deliver a speech to the American Chamber of Commerce in Moscow.