Russia considering at least 3 Persian Gulf countries for logistics hubs, will decide based on requests from business - industry and trade minister

MOSCOW. Nov 18 (Interfax) - Russia is studying several Persian Gulf countries as possible locations for Russian trade and logistics hubs, Industry and Trade Minister Anton Alikhanov said.

"Yes, it [the Persian Gulf] is undoubtedly a good location [for setting up a logistics center abroad]. Different countries are being studied. Regarding the Persian Gulf, there are more than three of them," Alikhanov told journalists.

Alikhanov did not name any specific countries. In choosing locations, the Industry and Trade Ministry "would like to start from the wishes of our largest players," he said.

Russia has long been preparing to launch its first industrial zone in Egypt. It is currently awaiting ratification of the decision to create the industrial zone by the Egyptian authorities, he said. "During a meeting in Kazakhstan, [Egyptian] President [Abdel Fattah] el-Sisi said that this issue will be studied at a parliamentary session in the near future," Alikhanov said.

Creating Russian industrial and logistics infrastructure abroad is stipulated by the updated International Cooperation and Export national project.