OTTAWA, November 29 (RIA Novosti) - Russian Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov arrived in Canada on an official visit on Thursday, and is set to discuss trade and energy issues.

Zubkov, accompanied by a delegation of Russian businessmen, is expected to meet with Governor General Michaelle Jean, Prime Minister Steven Harper, the speakers of both houses of Canada's parliament, and co-chairmen of the bilateral inter-governmental commission.

The Russian premier will also attend a meeting of the Russian-Canadian business council.

A source in the Russian government said Zubkov would focus on measures to improve trade relations between the two countries.

According to the source, bilateral trade increased almost 25% year-on-year in the first half of 2007 having totaled only $2 billion for the whole of 2006.

"This is a very small sum for Russia and Canada," the source said.

Zubkov is also expected to discuss cooperation in the energy sector. In particular, the parties are set to discuss deliveries of Russian liquefied natural gas to the North American market.