After a brief introduction by Troika Dialogue chairman Ruben Vardanian, Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin began his speech to the Russia Forum 2012 in Moscow by comparing the mood at the recent Davos conference with that in Moscow. He surmised that the mood in the Russian capital was much more optimistic and positive. Moscow has fought and overcome the 2008 crisis. Unemployment is just 1%, investment is growing at a healthy pace, average life expectancy has risen to 75, and the birth rate now exceeds the mortality rate. However, the ill effects of the European crisis are being felt in many sectors, especially the financial sector. The development strategy for Moscow is aimed at transforming the city into a global megapolis and a regional development center.

Leaders in government, regional authorities, domestic and international business elite, policy and nongovernmental organizations are gathering on the 9th and 10th of November 2011 in Moscow for International Forum “RUSSIAN REGIONS: Investment appeal and development strategies”. The Forum has instantly won confidence and reputation of premier event among companies and state bodies interested in further strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation and investments in the dynamic economy of Russian regions.

By John Bonar

Alexander Fedotov, General Director of the Sakha Republic’s (Yakutia) Republic Investment Company (RIC) told a meeting at the London Stock Exchange at the end of September, and repeated it to over 100 businessmen in the Royal Society of Chemistry, that “Investing in Yakutia will let you participate in the economic growth of the Asia-Pacific Ocean, and first of all China”.

Today is the best time to invest in Yakutia, General Director of JSC "Republican investment company" (RIC) Alexander Fedotov, has said upon return to Yakutsk from a five day business trip to London in the delegation led by the country's president, Yegor Borisov.

After the presentations in London to a number of industrial and financial corporations, "some UK companies expressed their desire to co-operate with the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and with our company. For us it is important both in gaining good experience, and as an illustrative example for other investors from around the world.," Mr. Fedotov said.