Russia is open to international investment, the head of RDIF says

Cyril Dmitriev, the Director General of the Russian Direct Investment Foundation (RDIF) said in his speech at Los Angeles International Conference of Milken Institute that took place this week, that Russia is open to international investment, RDIF the press service reports.

There is a large-scale public investment in infrastructure program implementing in Russia. There is a new wave of assets privatization of more than $30-50 B, and initiatives like the RDIF’s make it easier to invest in the Russian market - K. Dmitriev said. - Russia is open to investment from abroad in all economic sectors and asset classes now more than ever. The door is open for international investment.

Russian Direct Investment Fund is a state fund with $10 B capitalization. The fund was established last year under the leadership of Dmitry Medvedev and Vladimir Putin to invest primarily in Russian projects in cooperation with international investors. This year, the Foundation announced two major investments: non-controlling interest of the Russian MICEX, RTS stock exchange acquisition by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and purchase the OGK-5 generating company blocking shareholding together with a consortium of private equity investors from the Middle East, Australia and other regions.

RDIF is a partner for direct investment funds, sovereign wealth funds and multinational corporations that can share the risks and understand local conditions when investing in Russia - K. Dmitriev said, speaking about the role of the Fund as a co-investor. - This week's Milken Institute conference gave an excellent opportunity to meet with representatives from U.S. companies and other countries seeking access to the fast-growing Russian market.

Milken Institute International Conference, celebrated its 15th anniversary this year, provides a platform where representatives of such different worlds as business, finance, politics, education, health, energy and philanthropy can discuss new ways to solve major world problems. This year's speakers are former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Steve Forbes, Vikram Pandit, the U.S. Congress Senator Max Baucus, the Governor of California Jerry Brown and investors representing funds with $30 trillion capitalization, such as Leon Black, David Bonderman, Gao Sitsin, T. Boone Pickens, Joseph Deer and Mohamed El-Erian.