BMIR # 18

2011-02-08 13:15:46  Russia occupies an influential position in the world as a great power in terms of natural energy sources; it ranks second in annual oil production globally (with about 15% of the world total). Generally speaking, its energy policy in the Middle East integrates the ‘big oil and gas game’ which implicates other regions across the planet. This is exemplified by Russia’s active involvement in South Stream as well as other projects for the extraction and transportation of hydrocarbons, which are currently in the planning stages.

2011-02-08 12:17:23  Swiss entrepreneurs have been interested in the Kaluga region’s agricultural potential since the early 2000s. Despite the numerous obstacles foreign investors have to face to take part in Russian agriculture, existing conditions have not dampened their interest in the Kaluga region.

2011-02-07 17:06:40  Despite its huge potential for agricultural development, Russia continues to stagnate in this area. Nevertheless, there is reason to believe that the Russian agricultural sector’s power can realistically be restored in the very near future should a certain amount of political willpower and support in the form of foreign investment come in to play.

2011-02-07 16:44:19  The dual taxation agreement signed with Germany is a first step towards acceptance of an ongoing repatriation tax at source amnesty, allowing Switzerland to avoid the automatic exchanges of information the European Union has requested.

2011-02-07 14:26:27  Although Switzerland may be geographically located in the centre of Europe, it obstinately refuses to join the European Union (EU). René Schwok, Holder of the Jean Monnet Chair at the European Institute and Professor at Geneva University’s Department of Political Science, explains the reasons behind this reluctance and the current relationship between Switzerland and the EU in an interview with Business Mir.

2011-02-07 13:41:23  Fearsome winters spent huddled around hot fires are not the only common quality connecting the Russian Federation with the Lake Geneva region. The business connections between the two jurisdictions are substantial and increasing. It is estimated that some 10,000 Russian speakers live and work in the arc between Geneva and Montreux; Russian restaurants, bookshops and food shops are sprouting up across Switzerland.

2011-02-07 13:08:55  Valais is far more than a prime location for winter resort fun as the Canton’s economy is both dynamic and accessible. Jean-Michel Cina, President of Valais Canton’s Government and head of its Economy, Energy and Territorial Department, invited Business Mir to his Sion offices for an exclusive interview on the challenges his Canton is about to face.

2011-02-07 12:25:28  In the vast world of timepieces, few brands can boast of being directed by a master watchmaker. François-Paul Journe is indeed a master – a real artisan specialised in antique watches – who has spent the past 30 years providing exclusive watches made with the utmost respect for the authentic tradition of watch making.

2011-02-07 12:03:49  Café des Artistes is one of Moscow’s hottest restaurants and features 4 to 6 art exhibits every year. The restaurant’s glittering clientele includes patrons ranging from artists to politicos, celebrities, ex-pats and tourists. Artists love to exhibit at Café des Artistes, where their works attract considerable attention from both Russian and international buyers. However, few people are aware that the man behind the restaurant’s success is Swiss restaurateur Dolf Michel.

2011-02-07 11:24:54  The beginning of a new year is the time for summing up the events of the previous 12 months. 2010 has been very eventful in terms of both political and economic relations between Russia and the West. Despite the traditional differences in areas such as human rights, freedom of speech, the Georgian conflict, etc., Russia and the West have established firm ties regarding common goals and interests, the first among which is the fight against terrorism.