Russia is investing $ 4 mln.v exploration of Bolivian gas fields Priority investment of Russian companies in exploration for new gas fields in Bolivia may reach four million dollars, said the Bolivian Minister of Oil, Gas and Energy Sa l Avalos (Saul Avalos).According to him, exploration work would begin in January 2009 goda.Saul Avalos said that in January next year in La Paz arrives delegation of representatives of Russian companies Gazprom and Lukoil, which will identify specific projects for investment in the gas sphere . “The Russian government will also help Bolivia in establishing a research institute of natural gas in 2009″ – said ministr.V mid-September this year, Gazprom and the French company Total signed an agreement with Bolivia on the joint exploration and production Natural gas in the territory of the South American country. Experts estimate that investments could add up to 4.5 billion dollarov.Na last week, Bolivian President Evo Morales told local media that meets in February next year to visit Russia and sign several cooperation agreements, including in the energy field, RIA Novosti . Bolivia is the second largest after Venezuela gas reserves in Latin Amerike.Osnovnye gas reserves are concentrated in the south-eastern part of Bolivia’s four largest oil fields – Margarita, San Alberto, Sabalo and Itau.V May 2006, Bolivian President Evo Morales signed a decree on nationalization of the gas industry. The contracts concluded by foreign companies in Bolivia and providing them with the rights of shareholders were declared invalid. Prior to nationalization of 70% of gas production in Bolivia controlled companies such as the Brazilian Petrobras and Spanish Repsol YPF.
