"We have talked to Chinese investors. They have no restrictions. They do not fall under any sanctions, so Crimea for them is a zone that is open to investments," Titov told Sputnik News Agency in an interview.
Russia is expected to designate Crimea and Sevastopol as a special economic zone with tax breaks to attract investors. Crimea has adopted the Russian ruble as its official currency.
The business rights ombudsman added that "the program of a special economic zone in Crimea has its pros and incentives for investors."
Crimea reunified with Russia in March following a political referendum within the region, with 96 percent of the vote in favor of joining Russia. Ukraine and the West have to date refused to recognize the vote. In a speech following the Crimean referendum Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the vote was held in full compliance with democratic procedure and international rule of law.
Profitable Projects Await Chinese Investors in Russia
A great number of effective and attractive business projects are available for Chinese investors in Russia, the country's business rights ombudsman Boris Titov told Sputnik Monday.
"There are a lot of really effective and profitable projects in Russia. Not only in the energy sector," Titov said in an interview to Sputnik.
Titov added that there was "no sense" in suggesting unprepared, draft projects to Chinese investors.
In recent months Russia has increased its economic cooperation with China. During Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Moscow in October 2014, the two countries signed about 40 agreements on energy, banking, transport, agriculture, space technology and telecommunications.
In May 2014, during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, Russia and China signed their largest gas contract to date, with Russia's Gazprom agreeing to supply 38 billion cubic meters of gas to China annually for the next 30 years. The contract is worth a total of roughly $400 billion.
Sanctions Against Russia Stimulate Partnership With China
Sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia over its alleged involvement in the crisis in Ukraine are stimulating business cooperation with China, Russian business rights ombudsman Boris Titov told Sputnik Monday.
"Sanctions have negative consequences, they impose certain restrictions, but they encourage this kind of [business] relationship [with China]. Opportunities for cooperation have been there before, but sanctions give impetus to these relations," Titov said.
According to Titov, Russia specializes in innovative technologies and products related to the IT sphere. He noted that China specializes in technologically advanced products.
"Technologies that exist in the world are being adapted in China. They are good in the commercialization of scientific knowledge and developments," the ombudsman said.
Over the past months, a number of Western countries have implemented sanctions against Russia over its alleged involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, particularly targeting Russia’s defense, energy and banking sectors.
Amid the situation, Russia has notably increased its partnership with China, especially in the spheres of energy and business cooperation.
