Russia's strategic secrets: What attracts foreign investors?
In an interview with the press on the sidelines of the Yalta International Economic Forum (YIEF), Grigory Karakov, head of the Russian State Investment Supervision Agency (FAS), spoke about the most attractive factors for foreign investment projects in strategic sectors.
According to Mr. Karakov, foreign investors have shown positive interest in Russian projects, including in strategic areas:
— Since 2014 — that is, since the imposition of sanctions — the number of contracts has not decreased. Over the past three years, 28 billion USD has been attracted in strategic industries, and in 2017 alone, 229 projects were considered and almost 200 were approved — that is, the rejection rate was no more than 13%.
Among the most attractive projects for investors, experts identify infrastructure, nuclear industry and medicine.
Of course, the fuel-energy complex is at the forefront. But infrastructure must also be mentioned: airports, river ports and sea ports. The technology sector is also attractive for investment, and nuclear and atomic energy are in great demand. Investors are coming to the chemical, medical, and nuclear industries.
Mr. Karakov also noted that the geographical map of project requests is expanding and over the past four years foreign investors' attention has shifted from the West to the East of Russia.
The Yalta International Economic Forum is an annual international business event in the economic sphere, held in Crimea. The organizers of the Forum are the Crimean authorities and the YAEF Foundation with the support of the Russian Presidential Administration.
This year the Forum takes place from April 19 to 21 in Yalta.
