Mr. Leonov is a leading partner of FertiKola, U.S-Russian business consulting firm since 1998.
I totally agree that European stock exchanges should lift their listing and reporting standards to those used by NYSE to better protect Western investors holding steadily appreciating stock of large Russian public companies. On the other hand, considering the size of the economies and available opportunities, the U.S.-Russian business volume is disproportionately small. Mid- and small size business, which provides the sound footing for further growth, is almost non-existent. The redundant Jackson-Vanik amendment is still in force and Cold War era stereotypes still prevail among U.S. politicians. No wonder Russian money goes to Europe, Asia and Canada, which offer friendlier investment environment for private businesses.
Political rhetoric does not go far with Russia these days and I do not see how U.S.-Russia relations can be “fixed” by political means under new presidents. I believe in a longer term solution – the grassroots solution, which involve a painstaking process of helping mid and small size businesses of both countries prosper, lay to rest old stereotypes and contribute to stronger foundation of relationships with Russia, the one involving interests of millions rather than the interests of the political elite.
For years our company has been helping start-ups, reviewing business plans, working on marketing plans. Few projects have enjoyed showcase success, most are moderately successful and some are struggling. The truth is, however, we have turned down more projects than those we have decided to get involved with. Why? Lack of understanding of the respective markets and realities of doing business is by far number one. Endless bureaucracy on the Russian side is number two. Neither government has made any tangible steps to facilitate any business dialogue in areas other than energy and mineral resources – three. It’s a process in the making, but we will not see any significant advance in the U.S.-Russian relations until small and mid-size companies have the freedom of doing business.
Andrei Leonov
www.fertikola.com
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
What is Green Trade And Why Does It Matter To Your Business
By: Gary Llords | 03/01/2010Green trade is the national and international buying and selling of goods and services that addresses environmental problems and how to deal with them. In other words, businesses concerned with sustainable and wholesome future considerations will not accept or promote products from companies that disregard these principles.
Engineering Products, Engineering Materials and Parts
By: Kuldeep Vyas | 02/01/2010AEPT is one of the privately held engineering company in the business of import and export in Australia and India; headquarter in Ahmadabad in the state of Gujarat. AEPT is professionally managed company with team of Design and Developments, Production, Quality Management, Finance and Marketing. Australian Engineering Products Traders is leading provider of engineering products within Australia and India.
EROTIC MASSAGE
By: Marilou Gamboa / Upblogwrite | 01/01/2010EroticMP.net's EROTIC MASSAGE Article defines TERMINOLOGIES differentiated through keeping pace with Technology as from a simple MASSAGE Therapy to even EXTENDED Services as to a " HAPPY ENDING " desire. Thus, this Article effects the JUNETSU Technology as a BODY SCAN with Automatic 5 Programs Integration to CUSTOMIZE the MASSAGE JETS fitted for the CLIENTS as per a FUTURE Business EXPANSION. These Concerns also make an INVITE for our AFFILIATE Program as ONE-STOP-SHOP for MP's in the WORLD !
Aion kinah Guide -- The Best and most useful Aion Kina Tips
By: Wow-gold-team | 01/01/2010Here is a brief introduction about how to obtaining aion kina in the game, and we are sure that these tips will be useful to you:
Super WoW Gold Guide -- How To Make Blacksmithing Profitable In World of Warcraft?
By: Wow-gold-team | 01/01/2010Here is a top-notch and up to date WoW gold guide will tell you how to make Blacksmithing super Profitable In World of Warcraft.
How the U.S. Dollar’s Performance Affects Your Business
By: Scott A. McPherson, CPA, CFG, CVA | 31/12/2009It's no secret that the U.S. dollar has begun to lose its grip as the currency against which all others are based. Although it hasn't relinquished the top spot yet, it's important for businesses to begin contemplating – with the help of their virtual CFOs – what a change in the status of the American dollar could mean for them.
Reforms in Govt policies regarding foreign investments
By: Adeel Javed | 31/12/2009The Foreign Private Investment Act of 1976, "FPIA" has been passed to promote and protect foreign private investments in Pakistan. FPIA provides protection to foreign investors with respect to their industrial activities established in Pakistan in or after September 1954. Industrial activities are defined in FPIA as entities involved in the production, distribution or processing of goods. FPIA exclude the Federal Government from acquiring foreign capital or foreign investments in an industrial
Pakistan in International Branding
By: Waqar Ashraf | 31/12/2009Brands are known as the recognition for anything; it could be a product, a name, place, art, music, personality, and a country etc. lot of peoples talk about brand of different countries. Countries are recognized by their brands among different group of peoples at international level. England for Ford, France for perfume brands and Renault, Germany for BMW, Italy for Ferrari, Gucci and Hushpuppies, Japan for Honda, Suzuki, Toyota, USA for Chevrolet, GM, Levis and Ray-bin etc.
European Bourses, Nyse and Business Climate for Russian Companies
By: Andre Leonov | 04/08/2008 | International BusinessEuropean stock exchanges should lift their listing and reporting standards to those used by NYSE to better protect Western investors holding steadily appreciating stock of large Russian public companies. But it's not enough for business development.
Bp as a Poster for All Foreign Investors to See
By: Andre Leonov | 04/08/2008 | International BusinessHard times for BP and other multinationals in Russia have not started with the flaring BP-TNK scandal...