Step by step

Foreword by Dr. Frank Schauff, AEB CEO
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to yet another edition
of the AEB Step by Step guide.
Hopefully, with less than 250 days to Russia’s full fledged membership
in the WTO, all bets regarding the country’s gross domestic
product (GDP), foreign direct investment (FDI) and other economic
indicators, are off. The current prognosis is brimming with optimism,
particularly, with regard to the future of foreign investment. For the
European Union member states, the most important concessions
offered by Russia include market access for foreign service sector
companies and banks. The country’s metallurgy and chemicals
industries will no doubt only gain from the increased market access
and protection from antidumping measures. Russia’s other industries, likewise, only stand to gain
from the upcoming restructurisation and increase in productivity, stemming from increased competition.
WTO membership means a more predictable trade market in the country, access to goods
at optimum prices, and the creation of an emerging infrastructure to support local industries.
Couple the current development on the international scene, with the country’s recent decision
to expand the list of foreign specialists who will not be subject to quotas in 2012, and the situation
cannot help but look extremely promising.
The 3 rd edition of the Step by Step guide takes a very close look at migration issues and specific
issues related to moving to this country. The guide also takes a look at an upcoming and extremely
promising Russian region – Yekaterinburg and highlights many areas that are of great interest to
those already living in and thinking of relocating to Russia.
Welcome to Russia and enjoy this step by step tour!
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Frank Schauff
Chief Executive Officer
The Association of European Businesses
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Step by step : Living in Russia