MOSCOW, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft is planning to invest around 300 million U.S. dollars in several Russian projects over the next three years, said the company's CEO Steve Ballmer here on Monday.

The investment initiatives range from raising computer literacy to setting up research centers in the country, with a package of several short-term programs and long-term projects, the Interfax news agency quoted Ballmer as telling a press conference.

    Based on an agreement with the Russian government, Ballmer said that Microsoft also plans to launch computer skill training programs this year.

Microsoft Corporation Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer speaks during a news conference in Moscow April 20, 2009.

    In addition to the 60 current centers Microsoft opens in Russia, the U.S. software giant plans to open another 40 centers, where up to 300,000 people can get computer training, said Ballmer.

    Nikolai Prynishnikov, president of Microsoft's Russian division, said at the press conference that they have signed a cooperation agreement with Russia's Space Research Institute, under which Microsoft will set up a scientific research center to develop climate change technologies.