ST. PETERSBURG, June 13 (RIA Novosti) - President Vladimir Putin Tuesday invited foreign investors to take part in Russian projects to build roads and seaports, modernize airports and work in housing and communal services.
"Russia is currently lacking in quality roads, port capacities and tourist infrastructure," Putin said at a meeting with foreign executives as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Putin said infrastructure at many Russian cities' airports as well as communal systems needed modernization.
"This year, we have started attracting private investment into the electric power industry and heat generation," he said.
"All these facilities can be created with your participation and bring considerable long-term profit," Putin told meeting participants.
Putin said Russia is becoming an increasingly significant player on global markets, including the investment sphere. He said that in 2005 direct investment into Russia's economy had grown by about 40%, and that this year the government expected the figure to be even higher.
"However, Russia's investment potential is not realized in full," Putin said. "Our country has really unique competitive capabilities."
