Last week Nikolai Vinogradov became the first Russian regional governor to receive the prestigious Order of the Star from the Italian government, in recognition of his role in encouraging Italian investment to the Vladimir region.

The following is part of a series of posts about key investment and business regions in Russia. 

The city of Vologda has recently transformed into a manufacturing center, sparking the interest of foreign companies and investors. Modern Russia provides some key insight into this burgeoning city.

Michael Bear, Lord Mayor of the City of London

By the time I come to the end of my year-long term as the Lord Mayor of the City of London, I will have spent almost 100 days overseas; visiting countries and financial centers identified as key target markets by leading City firms, promoting the City as an attractive location for international investment and helping international firms to overcome any barriers that may be impeding market access. 

On August 4, Russian residential real estate developer Etalon Group signed a construction services agreement to become the building contractor for the first stage of a major international convention and exhibition center in St. Petersburg, known as ExpoForum.