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Medvedev to address improvement of investment climate in Russia

Participants in the session will consider the results of the Consultative Council on Foreign Investments (CCFI)activities in 2012

MOSCOW, October 15 (Itar-Tass) — Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will address a plenary session of the Consultative Council on Foreign Investments (CCFI) here on Monday.

The government press service reports that those present will discuss measures to improve the investment climate in Russia, regulate customs legislation, protect intellectual property, develop innovations, and promote foreign companies' participation in Russia's infrastructure projects.

Participants in the session will consider the results of CCFI activities in 2012 and prospects for raising the Council's effectiveness.

First Vice-Premier Igor Shuvalov, Minister of Economic Development Andrei Belousov, Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov, Minister of Natural Resources and Ecology Sergei Donskoi, Minister of Transport Maxim Sokolov, Central Bank Chairman Sergei Ignatyev, officials of relevant ministries and agencies, and the CEOs of large foreign companies that participate in the CCFI will take part in the session.

The Consultative Council on Foreign Investments in Russia was set up in 1994. The Council's principal aims are to contribute to attracting foreign investments in the Russian economy, and improve investment climate for foreign investors. The CCFI includes 42 foreign companies now.

In 2012, the CCFI prioritized refinement of customs legislation, development of the tax administration system, removal of administrative barriers, technical regulation, corporate management, and improvement of the electric power market pattern.

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