Medvedev woos investors for Russia's Far East

The Russian government welcomes investors who are interested in infrastructure development of the Far East region, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Monday. Addressing an event of Foreign Investment Advisory Council, a group of foreign investors, Medvedev called it "a stereotype" that Russia only needs investment in oil, gas and other mineral resources. "Now everyone understands this is not true. There is a long-term prospective for investors which does not exist in other countries," Medvedev said, envisaging Russia's future as "a heavenly given" logistic hub. Medvedev said the government has been implementing a number of infrastructure projects in the Far East and Siberia and invited investors to participate in the development of these regions. On Friday, Medvedev approved measures of improving sustainable development of indigenous people in the Far East and Siberia through 2015. According to a decree published on government's website, these measures are aimed at protecting indigenous people's traditional lifestyle while enhancing their social protection and improving their access to the modern healthcare and communications. The government also plans to develop eco-tourism in the Far East, said the decree.