OREANDA-NEWS. August 16, 2011. UC RUSAL (SEHK: 486, EuroNext: RUSAL/RUAL, MICEX: RUALR, RTS: RUAL), the world’s largest aluminium producer, is pleased to announce that the gift presentation for “Making Friends with Russia” Contest was successfully held yesterday. The contest attracted participation from 1,157 Facebook users, with most participants correctly answering all nine questions in the quiz. Three winners were chosen by a lucky draw. Among the attractive prizes airplane tickets and hotel accommodation to Russia for two, iPad tablet computer and iPhone 4 smartphone were offered.

As the first Russian company to list on SEHK, RUSAL is dedicated to bringing the best of Russia to Hong Kong, and promoting a mutually beneficial relationship. To coincide with the successful book launch of “From Russia with Love”, UC RUSAL organised a contest for Facebook users and listeners of “Making Friends with Russia” – a nine-part radio programme that was presented by Metro Radio every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 27 June to 15 July 2011. The contest received overwhelmingly positive responses both online and via radio and many showed keen interest in knowing more about Russia. To express gratitude to the public, 10 participants were chosen and awarded hard copy editions of “From Russia with Love”, a book that offers readers with a closer look at different facets of Russia.

Vera Kurochkina, UC RUSAL’s Deputy CEO and Director for Corporate Communications, said, “Russia and China are neighbours that have a lot in common. As the first official representatives of Russia in Hong Kong, we felt compelled to tell everyone about the beauty of our country. The launch of the “From Russia with Love” book together with the Facebook contest is part of our commitment to strengthening ties and building lasting friendships between the peoples of the two regions. We will certainly continue to introduce the best of Russian culture to Hong Kong and promote cultural exchanges, so expect even greater things to come.”

With air tickets in hand, Ms Grace Kwok, the grand prize winner said excitedly, “Thanks to RUSAL, I am really happy that I now have this special opportunity to experience Russia. The contest was extremely interesting and allowed me to learn more about this amazing country. I am definitely looking forward to taking the trip and hope to share my experiences with everyone via Facebook once I get back.”

“From Russia with Love” is now available in e-book format via the UC RUSAL website (www.rusal.com). For details of the gift presentation, please refer to the “Friends of Russia” Facebook page.