OREANDA-NEWS. On 29 April 2009 was announced, that presentation of economic and investment potential of Vologda Oblast was held April 21 in French Embassy in Russia (Moscow).

The event was organized by the French Embassy in Russia and the Vologda Oblast Government. A group of Vologda's local government officials and entrepreneurs met representatives of French business circles that are interested in establishing partnership ties with Vologda's companies.

The representatives of Air Liquide and Thales (France) that have been sustaining partnership links with Russia and the Vologda Oblast for years swaped their experience. Air Liquide signed a partnership agreement with steelmaker Severstal (Cherepovets, Vologda Oblast) to set up the largest air separation unit in Russia. And the strategic partnership between Thales and Vologda Optical and Mechanical Plant, a leading supplier of optical systems in Russia, will bring Russian industry greater independence in providing through-life support for high-tech optical equipment.