The southern Russian Rostov region has announced plans to encourage investment from Chinese businesses in an effort to stimulate production in the region, a deputy governor said on Tuesday.

A delegation from Rostov region arrived in Shanghai to give a presentation in the Russian Expo-2010 pavilion in Shanghai and conduct business talks with Chinese companies.

“The Rostov Region is interested in the production projects in energy, machine building, car production, construction machinery, building materials and pharmaceuticals,” Alexander Noskov said.

The deputy governor said cooperation between the Rostov Region and China began in the 1990s, when the southern Russian region delivered 100 electric freight locomotives.

“We intend to work with big companies, that essentially work as anchor investors, encouraging medium-sized businesses to take part in business activity,” Noskov said, adding that the parties are currently in talks on building two plants.

He said Rostov region also intends to develop its tourism sector and attract visitors from China. The Chinese side proposed launching direct flights between the Rostov region and Shanghai.

The 2010 World Expo is being held in Shanghai until October 31. Up to 70 million people are expected to visit the city for the event. Over 200 countries, corporations and international organizations are taking part.

SHANGHAI, August 24 (RIA Novosti)