Americans interested in buying Russian airports

U.S. businessmen would like to buy Russian airports and seaports, Russian Transport Minister Igor Levitin said Thursday.

"American investors have a very big interest in purchasing Russian ports and airports now that the list of Russia`s strategic enterprises has been changed," Levitin said at a meeting with U.S. entrepreneurs.

On June 18, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree reducing the number of strategic companies which enjoy privileged state support fivefold.

Medvedev told the St. Petersburg Economic Forum that "the number of strategic joint-stock companies will be decreased from 208 to 41, the number of federal enterprises from 230 to 159." The companies apparently included some sea- and airports.

Levitin also said: "I met with a group of investor companies to discuss the opportunities to attract investment into Russia`s transport infrastructure. American businessmen are very much interested in it. They are particularly attracted by big Russian airports and seaports."

He said, however, that overseas investors have yet no full information on making such investments.

Levitin also said his ministry is familiarizing itself with U.S. systems ensuring transport security. He said Russia could use the technology on the subway and railroads and in airports.

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