Energy import dominates talks with Russia.

ISLAMABAD -- Russia and Pakistan are unlikely to reach conclusive agreements on energy imports, but have expressed the hope to sign protocols for boosting cooperation in nine major economic sectors including oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

A three-day Pakistani-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation began on Wednesday to examine the prospects for cooperation in the field of electricity including hydropower and renewable power projects, 'cooperation in the field of oil and gas production and prospects of energy supply from Russia to Pakistan'.

The two sides are expected to sign on Friday joint protocols for future cooperation in nine major areas of bilateral interest including trade and investment, agriculture, energy, finance, customs, industrial cooperation, education and science and technology, information and communication technologies and communications like roads, railways and postal services.

The inaugural technical sessions of the 8th meeting of the commission kicked off on Wednesday and the respective sides were led by Deputy Director of the Department of Ministry of Economic Development of Russian Federation Israfil Ali-Zade and Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Affairs Dr Kazim Niaz.

About 80 members of the Russian delegation also included many businessmen who would hold B2B...