UPDATE: Official: Russia can establish dialogue with US businessmen

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DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan 20 (PRIME) -- Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov met with U.S. investors in the framework of the World Economic Forum and hopes that dialogue can be established, he told reporters on the sidelines of the forum on Friday.

“I’ve had meetings with American entrepreneurs yesterday, they put forward initiatives, want to institute Russia–U.S. business dialogue before this dialogue begins between the presidents,” Shuvalov said.

He said he is waiting for proposals from the U.S. on the format of the future meetings. “We have agreed that we will wait for the proposals. These proposals will arrive in several weeks, we will see.”

Shuvalov also said that foreign investors are immensely interested in Russia. “Concerning the economy and the potential opportunities in Russia – a huge interest. Frankly speaking, we used to think it would be more modest, but there is huge interest. We are meeting with investors, with political experts and answer questions.”

Shuvalov said that foreign business waits Russia to make the ruble and commercial loan rates predictable, and to establish transparent cooperation with regions. “But the majority of investors said they are happy with how business is being done in Russia.”

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