"The risks of corruption are real when decisions are made on individual cases. But unlike a unified procedure, this approach allows permission to be given in some instances," Andrei Sharonov said, speaking about a bill restricting the access of foreign companies to Russia's strategic enterprises.
Sharonov said the economic sectors to which foreign capital would have a limited access were still to be determined, as was the procedure of issuing investment permissions.
According to the deputy minister, two main options on foreigners' access to strategic sectors are under discussion. The first is a blanket ban on foreign capital's participation in all strategic spheres, whereas the second favors individual consideration for every particular case.
Sharonov said the bill, which restricts foreign investment in areas defined as crucial for ensuring national security - vital infrastructure, the defense sector, electricity, and natural resources - must be submitted to the government for consideration as soon as possible. Initially, the bill was to be discussed March 2.
"Foreigners are extremely interested in when we will set the procedure that would either allow or bar them from working [in strategic spheres]," the deputy minister said.
