The delegation, headed by Kemerovo Oblast governor Aman Tuleev and composed of government officials, businessmen and academics, is the largest foreign delegation to ever visit Chongqing.

Tuleev said he anticipated cooperation with Chongqing in the fields of construction, pharmaceuticals and agriculture as these areas had many similarities.

Chen Jiwa, Vice-Mayor of Chongqing, said the municipality had over 17.68 million US dollars of trade with Russia in 2002.

As a major industrial base in western China, Chongqing is listed as China's fourth largest investment attraction by "Fortune" magazine, and has established trade and cultural exchanges with 174 countries and regions.

The delegation will inspect key enterprises in Chongqing. The Kemerovo Oblast government will also sign cooperation contracts with the municipality.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2003)