Russia entered the top-15 countries of the world ideally suitable for location of production. This is stated in the rating of "Manufacturing Risk Index 2018" report, prepared by Cushman & Wakefield.

The position in the rating was determined by such parameters as production costs, potential risks, including political and economic, as well as market conditions, labor costs and business conditions, created in the country.

The study points out that the countries of Asia-Pacific region traditionally occupy the top positions in the rating of the most attractive countries for location of production. "At the same time, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe remain attractive and competitive for the whole world, as the total labor costs in the region are relatively low and investments in infrastructure increase their connection with the rest of Europe," the study says.

The first position in the rating is still occupied by China, gradually losing its competitive advantage due to the increase in labor costs. In second place is Lithuania, where this figure is the lowest in Central Europe. The Baltic country has removed Malaysia from this position.

According to the consulting firm, Russia rose in the rating from 23rd to 14th place in the world. At the same time, because of the lower costs after the devaluation of the ruble, Russia ranks first in Europe for the cheapness of the location of production, noted in Cushman & Wakefield.

"We have seen the investment activity of manufacturing companies in the country. This is indicated by the increase in the number of transactions for the purchase and lease of land for the location of production and the entry of foreign producers into the Russian market independently, or by creating joint ventures with Russian companies. Most transactions take place on the territory of free economic zones and industrial parks,"s aid Diana Mirzoyan, partner of Cushman & Wakefield.

According to "Best-Novostroy" estimates, today not all production sites are occupied for new construction: about 21.8 million square meters of residential real estate can be built in the territories of existing and abandoned factories.