France-Russia

While it is possible to notice every day the cultural nearness of France and of Russia, and the links of friendship which make friends so easily between these two people, it is possible only to determine the delay of France in trade with Russia.
Indeed, what French has not already read Tolstoy, Dostoievski or Pushkin, and which Russian is not capable of naming Dumas, Balzac or even Napoleon?

On the other hand, in economic terms, France is only the ninth business partner of Russia, behind Germany and Italy, and the sixth investor in this country. The Russian market absorbs only 0,7 % French export. Why do the French firms prove to be so sensitive to the cold?

Business, you will say to me, requires some pragmatism, while culture calls more subjective notions, such as feelings and emotions but however.

For the uncertain period, it would be possible to think that firms try to avoid every risk, but this overcautiousness also attracts attention during more auspicious periods. Would it be due then to dangerous and such a negative picture as French media gives of Russia?

Working for the Finnish firms, I notice some initiatives orientated to their big Eastern neighbour, such as the opening of a third Finnish economic mission to Alma Ata (or Almaty), in Kazakhstan, after those of Moscow and St. Petersburg, or still opening of a centre of the innovation in the capital of the North. This centre will welcome the Finnish firms, eager to develop on the Russian market, and favour technological cooperations with the Russian actors. Would not it be an example to be followed for France?

The importance of Russia was already included well at European level. Indeed to face up American and Chinese Great Powers, the European Union cannot take the liberty of being unaware of Russia, and, which knows, envisage a membership before 2050. Then for Europe of the Atlantic in the Ural, he would be time when France wakes up, and plays finally entirely its role of leading European economic actor. The French prime minister announced, during his trip in Russia at the beginning of 2006, the creation of an economic mission in Ekaterinbourg, capital of the Ural, which represents a strong economic potential. These are first encouraging steps to be followed.

Article written by Clement Josquin

Written by Clement Josquin one June 21st, on 2006 with no comments.
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