The Moscow region authorities could take advantage of a new source of cheap labor within Russia by hiring Crimeans to undertake state construction projects, RIA Novosti reported, citing a regional official.
German Yelyanyuskin, deputy head of the region's legislative assembly, said that Crimean builders are 1 1/2 to 2 times cheaper than local ones, but companies from Russia's newest region would still have to participate in tenders in order to win contracts.
There are 16 state orders left to compete for in the region this year, and Simferopol-based construction firm SV-Dekor has been invited to take part, he added.
Russia annexed the Black Sea Crimea region in March following a referendum that was held after former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was removed from power by street protests in Kiev.
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