At the 3rd International Nanotechnology Forum, Business RT spoke with Aleksandr Kondrashov, Managing Director at Rusnano, about Russia’s place in nanotechnology and the importance of promoting it domestically.
RT: Could this forum lead to major deals involving Rusnano?AK: "Of course, we have a lot of negotiations here. I always say that I never see what is going on at the Forum because I am always in the meeting rooms. But, by the way, we announce one deal with Onexim. It will be a very good project I believe. It will be high end technology just invented in Russia. It is very specific – there is nothing comparable in the world. Today we announce it.RT: There is a wave of privatizations unfolding now in Russia. Would you like to sell part of Rusnano to private investors to raise money? AK: "I think that, not this year and not the coming year. But in several years I think that we will be open for private placement."RT: And is Russia considering a bond issue for Rusnano, for $1.7 billion as has been reported?AK: "Yeah we will receive all the money back next year, and also next year, I think we will go to open market and to place bonds."RT: Can you give us an example of a Rusnano project that you think will change peoples lives?AK: "I can mention octagon. You can see it at the forum – LED lightning, high end technology – and I am sure it will changes life. You will forget that you have to replace your lamps in your flat."