09-04-2008  Samara Business Mission

The main purpose of the mission was to acquaint participants with the economic and investment potential of the region, to meet with the top regional and municipal government representatives. The mission was attended by 17 AEB members from companies including BNP Paribas Vostok, Czech Embassy, Delegation of the European Commission to Russia, Embassy of Hungary, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS), E.ON.Ruhrgas AG, OOO Engineerics, Orkla Foods CIS AS, Media Solutions, MIG Samara, Nestle Russia and Eurasia, RMHC (ACCOR Group), Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands, SGS Vostok Limited. VINCI Construction Grands Projects. In addition two representatives from the Presidential Administration accompanied the delegation. During the trip the mission was also accompanied by a representative of External economic affairs and foreign investments department of the Ministry of economic development, investments and trade of Samara region government.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The first day of the trip started from the visit of the AEB Delegation to Samara region government administration, where a meeting with the Deputy Head of Government – Minister of economic development, investments and trade Mr. Khasaev took place. Samara region government was also represented by the Deputy Head of Government – Minister of Agriculture and Food Mr. Demchenko, Minister of industry and energy Mr. Sveshnikov, Minister of transport and communication Mr. Matveev, Minister of oil and gaz industry Mr. Ivanov and Minister of construction and housing Mr. Donskoy. Mr. Khasaev briefly presented the most important directions of economy and industry sector development of Samara region. He mentioned that the region has been positioning itself as one of the most attractive regions of Russia for foreign investments. According to Standard & Poor’s credit rating Samara is at pre-investment stage and there is only one step ahead towards investment rating. Two years ago the Government of Samara region approved its strategy development till the year 2020, while the Russian Federation is still working out that strategy. Currently Samara region has investment projects amounting to 250 bln. rubles and the priority is given to innovative ones. One of the projects is the development of technological park for the development of aerospace sector. The region is very interested in attracting foreign businesses for that project. Another project that is worth mentioning is the development of industrial technological park in Togliatti, which is designed to produce auto components. There is also a project of construction of a big sanatory and recreational park. Housing construction is another very important direction of activities of the region. Samara region Government has recently approved a program of construction and modernization of Samara region roads until the year 2025. The Government has also made a decision to organize Samara region development corporation, which will inherit all of Samara region assets for the purpose of attracting foreign investments. This project will begin in June 2008.

Participants of the AEB mission at the meeting with representatives of Samara region Government

CEO of the Association of European Businesses Dr. Frank Schauff, Deputy Head of Government Minister of economic development, investments and trade Mr. Khasaev, Regional Director Russian & CIS, European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company (EADS) Mr. Gilles de Labareyre.

The region is highly interested in the development of trade and economic relations with other countries, specifically countries of European Union. The region is actively participating and organizing exhibitions and presentations of its investment potential in Russia as well as abroad. Mr. Khasaev also pointed out the importance of the AEB Business Mission by stating that that in order to present the investment potential of Samara region they have to travel to every European country separately, while this Mission made it possible to bring the whole Europe to the Region. Dr. Schauff thanked Mr. Khasaev for the opportunity to meet with him and his colleagues and invited Mr. Khasaev to make a presentation of Samara region in Moscow for all the members of the Association of European Businesses. The program of the first day also included visits to Srednevolzhkaya Gaz Company (SVGK), ZAO “Gazbank”, as well as a meeting with the Head of Volga Federal District Office of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Mr. Michael Hoffmann. Participants were provided with presentations on the development, future plans and activities, investment projects of these companies, as well as personal presents. Mr. Hoffmann in its turn made a very interesting and informative presentation on “Samara Region Investment Potential; EBRD Activities in the Region”.

Presentation at Srednevolzhkaya Gaz Company

Visit and presentation at ZAO “Gazbank”

Thursday, March 6, 2008

The second day of the AEB Mission to Samara was devoted to presentations and visits to “Volgaburmash” OJSC and Samara Metallurgical Plant OJSC. Visits were organized by Samara region Government as well as with the full support of the administration of Alcoa Rus.

Excursion around “Volgaburmash” OJSC

Presentation made by Mr. Carter, Operations Director of Samara Metallurgical Plant OJSC

Excursion around Samara Metallurgical Plant OJSC

The mission received wide media coverage. The information about the mission and the meetings held were on regional TV channels. Moreover a number of articles were published both in regional and federal newspapers and magazines, including the official website of Samara region Government. The AEB received numerous letters of thanks from the participants.

Source: AEB April Newsletter 2008