Russia sees opportunities for inter-regional cooperation as its Ambassador to India Denis Alipov makes his first visit to Calcutta to attend the Bengal Global Business Summit.

“It would not be right to regard Bengal solely as a cultural destination. With the strategic geographical advantages, proactive government policies, skilled human resources and business environment, the state has become an important investment destination,” Alipov said at an event organised by the Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce on Monday.

“The popular slogan Bengal Means Business is clearly gaining momentum,” he said, adding that close cooperation between Russian firms in the mining sector is on course as identified in last year’s summit.

Russia also sees expanding trade opportunities in areas of mutual cooperation in energy, heavy industry and MSME, defence, space, education, innovation and start-ups and fintech.

He suggested that Indian businesses should also explore investment opportunities in automobile, electrical, retail, pharmaceutical and hospitality sectors in Russia.