The Rostov Region is located at the junction of six strategically important railways and seven federal roads leading from Central Russia to the Caucasus and further to Turkey and Iran. With sea and river ports in Rostov, Taganrog, and Azov, the region is known as the Russian "gateway" to the Black Sea and Caspian countries.

The Rostov region is one of the most economically developed regions in Russia. Machine building, metallurgy, fuel and energy, agriculture, and food-processing are the leading industry sectors of the Rostov economy. Rostov is a large industrial centre producing combine harvesters and transport helicopters, furniture and refrigerators, cultivators and footwear, champagne and tobacco products. Rostov is classified as the third largest supplier of agricultural products in Russia. It is one of the major producers of sunflower seeds, coriander, mustard and vegetables. Rostov is a region with high investment potential and moderate investment risk for both Russian and foreign investors.