The coordinator of a project to build a high-tech research and production hub in Russia similar to the U.S. Silicon Valley could select a foreigner as manager, the media reported on Wednesday.

Viktor Vekselberg, a Russian billionaire with extensive business contacts and a host of innovation start-ups, said he wanted to look for a co-chairman among foreign specialists with a common view of the project and vast experience in innovative business.

Vekselberg's statement was echoed by Russian presidential economic adviser Arkady Dvorkovich who said that experienced managers from other countries would lead the project, adding that a U.S. citizen might hold an important post.

The research centre, to be built in Skolkovo near Moscow, will focus on five main areas: energy, information technology, communication, biomedical research and nuclear technology.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev personally approved the selection of Vekselberg from an extensive list of candidates, which also included successful businessman and billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov. Vekselberg said the country's new high-tech hub needed a special legal regime, tax breaks and other incentives to lure foreign specialists.

According to media reports, Russia's Economic Development Ministry has already proposed an individual tax regime for innovation centers in the country. The regime would offer a zero rate on corporate profit, land and property tax.

MOSCOW, March 24 (RIA Novosti)