SIBERIA'S INVESTMENT FORUM OPENS IN NOVOSIBIRSK

NOVOSIBIRSK, January 28, 2004. (RIA Novosti correspondent Natalya Reshetnikova) -- An investment forum has opened in Novosibirsk, one of the biggest megalopolises of Russia's Asian part, on the premises of the International Exhibition Centre "Siberian Fair". It is held within the framework of the scientific and practical conference "Strategy of Sustainable Development of Big Cities." The Siberian Fair's press centre has reported that taking part in the forum are representatives of the cities - members of the Association of the Siberian and Far Eastern Cities and the World Technopolis Association, including scientists and specialists from South Korea, Sweden, China, etc.

The exhibition of R&D achievements and investment opportunities features exhibits of a total of 450 participants - companies and organisations of Novosibirsk.

Simultaneously working are sections, where urban target programmes, which are part of the "Strategic Plan of Sustainable Development of Novosibirsk till 2020", are being debated.

The investment session is attended by representatives of finance and credit organisations and the projects' developers. Their tasks is to demonstrate the Siberia's best R&D developments to potential investors.

The session's work is to last till January 29th. Then the bankers and the projects' authors will gather to discuss at an investment section the technology of financing the R&D developments, which are most ready for introduction, including the venture form of financing the science-intensive projects.