Some Foreign Companies Have Stayed in Russia, Including Because of Social Responsibility
Only 11% of our members have left, far fewer than people think when they read articles and listen to the media. 4% are still deciding whether or not to go. That means 85% remain in Russia. Of these, 12% are cutting back on operations while 6% are expanding their business in Russia. So I would say that [the situation] with American business in Russia is not as bad as they might say — Robert Agee, President, Chief Executive Officer, American Chamber of Commerce in Russia.
In general, Italian companies have not left Russia. This means that, in the main, companies are doing sustainable business here. They are expressing a desire to continue cooperating with Russian companies, to remain on the Russian market. They face a multitude of problems at the day-to-day level. In particular, in the given situation, in fact they are small ones. This allows them flexibility and autonomy in decision-making – that is why they are here, why they are not all that dependent on foreign factors — Alfredo Gozzi, General Director, Association "Confindustria Russia".
There is one specific – our attention to social responsibility. First of all, we all think about social responsibility toward our staff. For the Italian legislation, labour relations are extremely important, and relations with employees are the most important a company can establish. No matter what passport the employee holds in their pocket – Russian or Italian — Vincenzo Trani, President, Italian-Russian Chamber of Commerce.
We currently have 550 people working with us – I must say that we are keeping you on because that was a political decision. <…> The Chamber has 60 staff members and I would feel very uncomfortable saying: "I’m sorry but we are closing our doors because of what is happening in Russia right now — Emmanuel Quidet, President, French-Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The Roscongress Foundation is a socially oriented non-financial development institution and a major organizer of nationwide and international conventions; exhibitions; and business, public, youth, sporting, and cultural events. It was established in pursuance of a decision by the President of the Russian Federation.
The Foundation was established in 2007 with the aim of facilitating the development of Russia’s economic potential, promoting its national interests, and strengthening the country’s image. One of the roles of the Foundation is to comprehensively evaluate, analyse, and cover issues on the Russian and global economic agendas. It also offers administrative services, provides promotional support for business projects and attracting investment, helps foster social entrepreneurship and charitable initiatives.
Each year, the Foundation’s events draw participants from 208 countries and territories, with more than 15,000 media representatives working on-site at Roscongress’ various venues. The Foundation benefits from analytical and professional expertise provided by 5,000 people working in Russia and abroad.
The Foundation works alongside various UN departments and other international organizations, and is building multi-format cooperation with 173 economic partners, including industrialists’ and entrepreneurs’ unions, financial, trade, and business associations from 78 countries worldwide, and 188 Russian public organizations, federal and legislative agencies, and federal subjects.
The Roscongress Foundation has Telegram channels in Russian t.me/Roscongress, English – t.me/RoscongressDirect, and Spanish t.me/RoscongressEsp. Official website and Information and Analytical System of the Roscongress Foundation: roscongress.org.