Economy of the Rostov region is characterized by a high level of diversification. The Rostov Region is one of the biggest Russian industrial and farming areas.
The local industry is dominated by machine-building, iron and steel and non-ferrous metal production and electric engineering. Many companies are unique in Russia or the largest manufacturers of certain goods. The region produces all Russian-made railway engines, 94% of sewing machines, and more than 60% of combine harvesters. It is a nationwide leader in the manufacture of heavy helicopters, maritime navigation equipment, boiler and water heating equipment, and petroleum-producing machinery.Wheat, maize, rice, millet, buckwheat and other cereals, and soy are principal crops. The region ranks Russia's 4th in grain production, and leads for sunflower, its principal technical crop.
The Rostov region has a high investment potential and favorable climate for business development. The Rostov region has several competitive advantages, which create favorable conditions for attracting investment and constant development. The main advantages are:
 | its favorable geographical position, which gives the region the status of being the gateway of Russia to the countries of the Black Sea area, the Mediterranean and the Caspian region; |
| the great geopolitical importance of the region for the whole of Russia; |
| the well-developed transportation infrastructure, represented by the railroad and the motorways of federal importance, sea and river ports and the international airport in Rostov-on-Don; |
| favorable and abundant natural resources in the region (moderate continental climate; chernozem comprising 65% of the soil resources) |
| well-developed production industry, led by machine building; |
| a rich raw materials base for the processing industry; |
| a wide variety of raw materials and mineral resources; |
| the existence of a highly-qualified and active workforce; |
| the dynamic formation of the market institutions infrastructure (banks, insurance firms, investment companies, leasing organizations, etc.); |
| the existence of a good legislative basis that contributes to the investment appeal of the region; |
| high consumer demand; |
| stable social and political situation. |
The Rostov Region is world famous for its cultural and folk traditions. It is the region of vast spaces and mighty rivers, the place where the Don River flows into the Azov Sea. Its prominent history and folklore attracts tourists from all over the world. The Rostov Region is the native land of the famous Russian authors Anton Chekhov and Mikhail Sholokhov, the Noble Prize Winner.
One of the famous towns of the Rostov region is Novocherkassk, the recognized and traditional international capital of Cossack people the world over. From 1805 to present, this has become a significant cultural center for the entire region of Rostov. The wide streets were designed to accommodate the vast mounted cavalry of the Cossack army. Ataman’s Palace, the Archway of Triumph, the buildings of the officer’s assembly and military offices and fine mansions and homes of the 19th century, museums, monuments, churches, and streets will open to you a scope of Russian history and personalities, you would never expect as you visit Novochrekassk, the capital of the Cossacks.
Stanitsa Starocherkasskaya, an old typical Cossack village, once called “the Venice of the Don,” is the place of the old Don Cossack Host (army) and served as the center of the Don Cossack homeland from the late 16th century into the very early 19th century. Today the small village, a UNESCO recognized historic location, holds the heart and soul of the Don Cossack people, their history, and culture. One can appreciate the unique and truly remarkable way of life founded out of a spirit of independence and freedom the Cossack people became so well known for.