But there are questions over privatisation of mining giant Alrosa, the world's largest producer.

Gazprom, Transneft, RusHydro, Alrosa and Rosneft all on a list for shift from Moscow to boost the Far East economy.

Key move to revive Far Eastern economy and compete with Macau and Busan.

Scheme would allow epic journeys from London to the Japanese capital with major international crossing between Sakhalin and Hokkaido.

Putin fires top official in Russian Far East, and calls for Investigative Committee to check how authorities performing.

Oil slicks, sewage, industrial waste and rubbish floating sea is harming wildlife and could lead to marine crisis.

TNK-BP, a Russian-British company, is under fire concerning 784 environmental accidents reported in 2011, compared with 20 by rival Lukoil.

A few years ago only 30 were living in the wild, but now there is a realistic chance to avoid extinction.

Session seen as a significant step towards improving economic prospects for vast priority region including eastern Siberia.