MOSCOW, June 2 (RIA Novosti) - The St. Petersburg international economic forum serves as a perfect opportunity for sealing ties with representatives of Russia's regions and potential investors, the governor of the Kaluga Region said on Monday.
Anatoly Artamonov said that last year at the forum the Kaluga Region had signed two investment agreements - with South Korea's Samsung Electronics Co. on constructing a household appliances plant, and with Sweden's Volvo Trucks on establishing a joint truck manufacturing venture.
"We will continue the search for new partners at the upcoming forum," Artamonov said, adding that Kaluga Region authorities would provide "assistance to investors in setting up projects and overcoming administrative barriers."
According to the governor, the Kaluga Region, situated to the southwest of Moscow, has great prospects due to its natural resources and labor force, its level of economic development, and its developed transport infrastructure.
The Kaluga Region attracts investors in spheres such as machinery, the production of car components, construction, high-technology, as well as agriculture.
Artamonov added that foreign investment in the region had reached $381 million in 2007, the highest per capita in Russia.
In 2007, the Kaluga Region saw the opening of the first stage of a Volkswagen plant and a Nestle pet food factory.
This summer, the construction of a Peugeot-Citroen car plant in Kaluga will start, the governor also said.
