Ivan Grachev - German business aims to deepen economic cooperation with Russia as a separate topic

Now the European Union discussed the results of the recently held Congress of entrepreneurs of EU, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. Congress was traditionally held for four consecutive years, but due to the current events in Ukraine its name was not entered. According to the chairman of the Duma Committee on Energy Ivan Grachev, who took part in the congress, the new format is associated with the desire of German business to deepen economic cooperation with Russia.

- Ivan Dmitrievich, despite all the current circumstances, you have consistently advocated the creation of a tripartite consortium of Russia-Ukraine-Germany on modernization of the GTS. It seems, you have found, finally, reputable allies at the Berlin Congress.

- Question of the consortium itself has long put the German side, and here I am, of course, its advocate. This is my old position.

- Ii the question posed by politicians?

- No, it is put aggressively by German business. The congress is attended by more than 400 senior representatives of business, science, management and policy. But all entrepreneurs are actively supporting the development of new prospects of joint cooperation with the deepening of existing contacts. Moreover, the given current events in Ukraine for the first time put economic cooperation as a separate topic. In the summary document of the Congress fear of possible ideological boundaries is clearly expressed. And there is the desire to keep existing economic ties with Russia, in the interests of sustainable development.

- Tell me, what makes European business worry - concerns before next winter?

- There are, of course, such fears. But it is not in one winter, business looks much deeper. And in regard to GTS - here, too, the long-standing question of intent, which is time, finally, urgently translated into the language of practice. Because now every day we are rapidly separated from that, I repeated not once. Conflict is easier to repay, translating it into the plane of joint economic projects. Business is well understood. In the Eastern Committee of German Economy they believe that it is time for a new impetus to integration in the economic sphere. And this is, by the way, the oldest organization, which is concentrated around 200 companies and supported by five national associations, including the Federation of German Industry. German businessmen at the congress said many interesting things, especially on the sidelines. I can not say just because the information is confidential. However, I think there is hope for serious allegations from Germany. Including the part of the consortium for the GTS. German business is set up so that if the country will come out with some suggestions, then it must be based on economic items. And the main point of tripartite consortium for the Ukrainian GTS. Then things can go finally to normal rails.

- And what is the attitude of business in general to what is happening in Ukraine? Are there concerns that the diversion will begin on the track of the Ukrainian GTS?

- They are not afraid of sabotage, but the whole transmission system is in a bad state. At any time, anywhere it can start itself and break and explode. After all these '23 is not invested. If the Russian pipe still is patched and repaired, the Ukrainian is not invested at all. So the business now with their politicians are holding serious talks. And I'm sure that Germany will express its position on how it is necessary to fine-tune the relationship with Russia, and to resolve this conflict.

-I see, and what about the consortium of UTN profitable energy sector and industrial sectors, which will be included in the upgrade. And is it related to the banking business?

- There is a separation. Banks that are at the heart of American capitalism - began to regain ago. But there are banks that are purely German capital, and vice versa tend to enter into the project. Therefore, from the point of view of German business, I repeat, the Congress confirmed the nicest evaluation. From communicating with entrepreneurs I brought some sense of turning the situation. This can be seen with respect to the German business in Austria. Politicians and the media desperately Austria scolded, and the business has the most wonderful attitude to what they agreed on the South Stream, and signed with us profitable business agreements - essentially turning the economy of their country. Business people on benefits can not refuse.