MOSCOW, December 22. /TASS/. The Moscow region retains its position as an attractive region for foreign investors, almost 190 companies with foreign capital operate in the Moscow region, Deputy Chairman of the government, Minister of Investment, Industry and Science of the Moscow region Ekaterina Zinovieva said in an interview with TASS.
"Traditionally, the Moscow region has always had the largest number of foreign production facilities. Currently, some companies have actually put under the Russian management. Nine have suspended their activities. The rest continue to operate. Today, there are 186 companies in the region with the participation of foreign capital, which have created almost 97,000 new jobs. They represent 40 countries of the world," she said.
The minister added that the Moscow region retains its position as an attractive region for investors.
"There are well-established logistics here - both on a Russian and international scale, and a large sales market - both in terms of consumer products and in the B2B sector, and proximity to the capital. Plus - there is an almost unlimited personnel market Zinovieva noted.
According to her, taking into account the political circumstances, more than 140 foreign companies are currently continuing to operate as usual, including Pepsi, Auchan, K-Flex and many others. Six more were taken over by the Russian management and continue to operate, the same number are in the process of transfer. Nine companies suspended their activities. At the same time, 22 companies were completely sold.
"These are, for example, the well-known McDonald's, which became Vkusno i tochka, or the Finnish Valio. The sale of two companies has been announced - this is the production of glass and household goods. Both continue to work," the official said.
Zinovieva stressed that the niches of foreign companies that have left the market are being actively occupied by other investors.