Communicated by Haya Peri, Industry and Trade Ministry Spokeswoman Jerusalem, 4 November 1996 Industry and Trade Minister Sharansky to visit Russia Industry and Trade Minister Natan Sharansky will begin a seven day visit to Russia on 25.11.96. This will be the first time he is returning to Russia since having left there in 1986 and will be the first visit to Russia by a minister from the Netanyahu government. Sharansky will lead a delegation of approximately 50 government officials, business people, and industrialists. The visit is intended to strengthen trade and industrial ties between the two countries, as well as to enhance their political relations. Trade between the two countries shows Israel having a positive trade balance with exports of close to $260 million, compared to Russian imports of approximately $100 million. Currently, Israel's primary exports are in the food products area. Exports can be increased to approximately $1 billion to Russia in the coming years by solving certain issues pertaining to the improvement of foreign trade insurance regulations, according to Sharansky. Studies carried out by the Ministry within the framework of the Israeli- Russian Joint Economic Committee show that there are three major areas in which Israeli exporters should concentrate for joint ventures and industrial cooperation: telecommunications, agricultural equipment, and medical equipment. During the visit, the Minister will meet with a number of his Russian counterparts, participate in a seminar to promote industrial cooperation, meet with the Russian Jewish community, and visit sites which served as major milestones in his activities in the former Soviet Union.