Birmingham is hosting a business conference this week for companies seeking to tap into the many opportunities in Russia.
West Midlands firms are invited to join the event Russia: Practical Solutions, supported by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), on November 25 at law firm Wragge & Co, Colmore Row.
The event will include presentations from a UKTI commercial officer from the British Embassy in Moscow, the Russian government on business potential in the Russian regions, and companies that are already exporting to Russia.
Topics will include the legal aspects of doing business in Russia and the opportunities arising from the Sochi Winter Olympics 2014. Specialists will be on hand all day to answer questions on issues such as travel and visas, translation, product certification, freight and export documentation.
Linda Smith, international trade manager at Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, is UKTI’s specialist adviser on Russia for the West Midlands.
She said: “With sterling so weak and the Russian economy so strong by comparison, there has never been a better time to start exporting to Russia. Small manufacturing companies in particular will benefit from taking a closer look.
"Russia has recovered quickly from the world recession, mainly thanks to its huge financial and strategic reserves. Russian companies have a good history of paying on time, and payment can sometimes be made in advance.
"Margins tend to be higher than in Western Europe or North America because competition is not so fierce. This event is the perfect opportunity for West Midlands companies to gain practical, hands-on advice on reaching the Russian market - and we at UKTI are here to help them every step of the way.”
The conference is being organised by trading consultancy Albion (Overseas).
To book your place visit www.albionoverseas.com or call 01732 769003.
