RF, S Korea discuss trade, development of petroleum fields in Far

KHABAROVSK, September 9 (Itar-Tass) -- Members of the Russian-South
Korean commission on Far Eastern and Siberian affairs met in Khabarovsk on
Wednesday to focus on pressing aspects of trade and investment
cooperation, closer interaction in the spheres of agriculture and
fisheries, as well as development of oil and gas deposits.
The participants in the meeting pointed to the growing volumes of
trade between the Russian Far East and South Korea.
For instance, in 2008 the Khabarovsk Territory's trade turnover topped
460 million U.S. dollars, exceeding the 2007 indicator by 63 percent.
Kamchatka's export to South Korea grew to 358.5 million U.S. dollars,
while import increased to 96.5 million U.S. dollars.
South Korean partners take an active part in the development of oil
and gas deposits in the Sakhalin region.
Taking part in the meeting were representatives of the Russian Far
Eastern regions and territories, and guests from South Korea.
"South Korea is ready for more intensive interaction with Russia and
its Far Eastern regions," head of the Korean delegation and Director
General of the European Bureau at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and Trade Kim In-jung said.
In his opinion, a combination of the Far East's rich natural resources
and South Korea's advanced technologies and capital will give a tremendous
effect.
The commission convened on the sidelines of the Far Eastern
International Economic Forum.
The participants in the meeting signed a joint protocol that envisions
major spheres of interaction, including development of energy and natural
resources, cooperation in the spheres of transport, construction industry,
trade, investments, agriculture, and tourism.
The commission will gather for its next meeting in 2010.
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