Following almost 70 years of bilateral cooperation, the Russian Federation is strongly dedicated to enhancing the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Ambassador Nikolay Listopadov, who has been dealing with Myanmar during his entire diplomatic career, discusses the country’s potential and its bilateral relations with Russia.
European Times: What are some of the major Russian investments plans for Myanmar?
Dr. Nikolay Listopadov: In terms of Myanmar’s industrial development, one of Russia’s biggest projects is the new steel factory in Taunggyi, which will produce steel using the ‘Romelt process’ – a technology from Russia-based Tyazhprom Export. Using ore from the iron mine at Pang Pet region, the factory will produce 200,000 tonnes of pig iron annually, as well as 40 megawatts of electricity from its waste products.
Furthermore, we are planning on investing in the oil, gas, hydro power and nuclear power sectors and there is significant interest in investing in the sectors of defence and IT as well. When it comes to nuclear power, after signing of the memorandum of understanding for cooperation in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in June 2015, our countries agreed to establish a working body for nuclear technology which will focus on research, radioisotopes production, nuclear medicine, radioimmunotherapy, nuclear safety, radiation risk assessment, and training scientists and administrators.
European Times: How would you describe the bilateral trade between the two countries?
Dr. Nikolay Listopadov: In terms of trade, five years ago we reached a turnover of over half a billion euro, which has currently decreased at about €100 million on annual level. We aim to improve the trade between the two countries by increasing bilateral agreements, organizing new investments conferences and closely monitoring the process of reforms conducted by the new government. Russian companies are interested in investing in Myanmar; for example, our oil company Bashneft has already started seismological and geological research, which appear to be promising.
European Times: What are Russia’s future plans for Myanmar?
Dr. Nikolay Listopadov: Following the meetings between the Presidents and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of both countries, I am confident that there will be close cooperation between our governments and revitalization in terms of inter-parliamentary cooperation. With our plans to introduce a trade representative, we aim surpass the results of five years ago, and by attracting Russian companies to invest in Myanmar, we will hopefully reach a turnover of over one billion euro on annual level. Additionally, the arrangements for strategic partnership made in May during the ASEAN – Russia Summit will open new prospects for cooperation with Myanmar, which is indeed a promising country with excellent potential to become a success story.
