Russia interested in return of Western companies - Peskov

Russia is interested in the return of Western companies, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum, TASS reported.

The presidential spokesman said that Russia is interested in the return of Western firms because any economy needs new technologies, competences, and investment.

Peskov noted that Russia will build a respectful dialogue with the companies that fulfilled their obligations when leaving the country, while the businesses that acted dishonestly will have to pay a price to return to the Russian market.

According to him, the businesses that left aren’t returning, so there is no reason to discuss it.

"However, nature abhors a vacuum. Clearly, companies from other countries are showing great interest, particularly in the niches vacated by major Western companies," Peskov said.