MOSCOW, December 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the Government of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Ugra today signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop investment projects and attract foreign investment into the region. The agreement was signed by the Governor of the Autonomous Okrug Natalia Komarova, and CEO of RDIF, Kirill Dmitriev.

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Under the agreement, the parties will provide advisory, informational and legal support for investment projects in the region. The parties also agreed to share their expertise to improve the investment climate in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. RDIF, through its Invest in Russia portal (http://www.investinrussia.ru), will also publish detailed information on the region and the potential investment opportunities.

The key targeted areas for cooperation include the development of large-scale infrastructure facilities through Private Public Partnership (PPP) schemes, as well as joint projects in the oil and gas processing, timber, real estate, power generation, mining and agriculture sectors, focusing on import substitution.

Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), said:

"Ugra is one of the leading Russian regions by industrial production volume, and local companies are amongst the most efficient in Russia. I believe, therefore, that the region will attract foreign investors in addition to its developed oil and gas sector. Currently Ugra is actively targeting Private Public Partnership (PPP) schemes, and RDIF and its international partners' experience will be crucial for the implementation of large infrastructure projects in the region."

Natalia Komarova, Governor of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Ugra, said:

"Ugra's 500 billion roubles portfolio of non oil and gas investments includes 120 projects spanning the technology and infrastructure sectors. The focus will be on strategic infrastructure which affects economic growth, both in our region and nationally. We are keen to leverage RDIF's expertise and knowledge in the sector. Ugra's investment potential will be further shown through regular cooperation with all types of investors."

Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) was established in June 2011 to make equity co-investments primarily in Russia alongside reputable international financial and strategic investors. Based in Moscow, RDIF's management company is a 100% subsidiary of Vnesheconombank. Further information at http://www.rdif.ru

Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug - Ugra - the leading region in Russia by oil production and power generation, and is the second largest by industrial output, gas production and tax inflow. In 2014, Ugra consolidated its leading position for attracting investment. It is ranked second in the country by volume of equity investments, which will total 746.4 billion roubles in 2014. Investments will account for 25.6% of the Gross Regional Product. Additional information is available at: http://www.admhmao.ru

SOURCE The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)