During the visit, Mr. Kurdin will meet with Alan Larson, US Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs, the leadership of Ernst&Young, ShevronTexaco, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Mr. Kudrin will also take part in a plenary session dedicated to the economic development of Russia, Brazil, China and India. The Finance Minister plans to discuss measures aimed at improving the Russian investment climate. Consultative council for foreign investment will take part in the session. Mr. Kudrin will come back to Moscow on January 25, 2003.

The annual World Economic Forum is convening for the 34th time. The theme of the 2004 forum is "Partnering for Prosperity and Security". The agenda is based on the following thematic threads: ensuring global security, promoting global growth, managing new risks, building corporate resilience, spurring innovation, harnessing the diversity of values, and reducing inequity. More than 250 sessions will be held within the framework of the forum.