Alaska State Legislature

News from the Senate and House Majorities

Ken Freeman, House Press Secretary, (907) 258-8164
Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Press Secretary, (907) 258-8184
Anchorage Legislative Information Office
Anchorage, AK 99501
web site: www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislative Leaders Announce Fall Mission to the Russian Far East

For Immediate Release: August 5, 1997 Contact: Ronda Thompson at 907/258-8187

Anchorage -- To advance joint cooperative business opportunities and government relations in the Russian Far East, Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Gail Phillips announced plans for an Alaska Legislative Diplomatic Mission to Sakhalin and Khabarovsk, Alaska’s Sister State, September 27 through October 4.

Phillips and Miller noted that the purpose of the mission will be to offer assistance and suggestions regarding the development of potential legislation, structuring a justice system, implementing standard business practices and establishing royalty and severance tax policies.

"Sharing our experience and offering our advice to Russian legislators as they lay the groundwork for a market economy will help boost their economic recovery," said Phillips. "Our willingness to share ideas will open doors for Alaskans who want to participate in the Russian Far East’s anticipated oil and gas boom!"

"Khabarovsk and Sakhalin have over $45 billion in oil, gas and mining projects requiring foreign capital and expertise," said Miller. "By facilitating this mission, we increase the chances for Alaska businesses to form lasting and profitable partnerships that will lead to jobs for Alaskans."

This mission will fulfill Alaska’s part of the bilateral agreements set out in Memorandums of Cooperation signed by the 19th and 20th Alaska Legislatures with the Dumas of Khabarovsk and Sakhalin Regions.

The mission will leave from Anchorage on a Reeve Aleutian 727 Charter the evening of Saturday, September 27 for Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Participants will spend three days working with the Sakhalin Duma regional government officials and American/Alaska businesses before traveling to Khabarovsk Krai (state) on October 1st. The delegation will meet with Khabarovsk officials to work on similar issues and to participate in the Khabarovsk Oil, Gas and Mining Investment Conference.

"The opportunities for Alaska businesses to participate in the Russian Far East’s natural resource development are tremendous," Phillips said. "We have the arctic resource development expertise they need, including cold weather engineering, transportation, oil field services and supply, worker health care and amenities."

The Alaska delegation will be comprised of legislative leaders, government officials, business and industry leaders, justice system advisors and financiers.

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