An online Conference "Moscow's Investment Appeal for Israeli Companies" was held on the13th of July.
The Conference was moderated by Mr. Suren Vardanyan, the Vice President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his opening speech, Mr. Varadyan said that the main purpose of the event was to present Israeli colleagues with projects that Moscow is employing today and the opportunities that Israeli entrepreneurs may utilize together with Russian companies.
Then Mr. Vardanyan gave the floor to Mr.Yevgeny Dridze, the Deputy Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of Moscow, who reminded the audience of the long-standing ties between Moscow and Israel. "We regularly update the extensive program of cooperation and from the point of view of cultural, business ties and exchanges, we are doing very well," said Mr. Dridze.
Mr. Yakov Livne, the Chargé d'affaires ad interim of Israel to the Russian Federation, delivered a welcoming speech. He expressed confidence that the Conference would give a new impetus for cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Livne also noted the importance of creating a comfortable environment for cooperation between entrepreneurs. In the meantime, the process of mutual business integration still has a lot of room to grow.
Ms. Olga Komisarova, the Managing Director of the Jewish business club "OSHER", expressed hope that,as a result of the online Conference, there may exist extensive and interesting projects, and encouraged participants to write down ideas and thoughts that may arise during the event. She promised to get back to participants of the Conference, to answer enquiries and to assist in bringing ideas to fruition.
The Director of the Moscow City Investment Management Agency, Mr. Leonid Kostroma, presented investment opportunities and tools with which Moscow currently provides assistance to businesses at its sites. "We give the maximum possible tax benefits at the regional level. The total tax burden for companies is quartered. Now, in the city, about 118 companies receive these benefits by being assigned various conditional circumstances to receive these benefits, while more than 110 thousand people work at these enterprises.
That is, a significant part of the Moscow industry is "allotted" the maximum”, said Mr. Kostroma. He added that this applies to both existing companies and newcomers, who are implementing projects in Moscow.
Mr. Ivan Kolodov, the Deputy Director for Strategic Development of the Special Economic Zone, described what is meant by the term "Moscow" technopolis. He reported that the technopolis consists of 5 sites, located within the boundaries of Moscow, which include more than 150 high-tech companies from various industries.
Half of them have the status of special economic zone residents, i.e. they enjoy various privileges and preferences. These companies have created over 9,000 jobs. "Our priority sectors are companies, associated with modern materials and nanotechnologies. We also actively work with enterprises of microelectronics, optical technologies and electronic equipment. Energy efficiency is extensively practiced by these companies. Special attention is paid to companies, involved in medical technology, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology", explained Mr. Kolodov.
The Director of the Moscow Industrial Development Agency, Ms. Irina Degtyareva, described in detail how the Agency might be useful for entrepreneurs. "Our specialists will help select a production site in accordance with the Technical Requirements requisites and build interaction with a management company. We also accompany localization of projects before concluding a lease or sale contract", - said Ms. Degtyareva.
The Supervisor of the Department of Export Development of ANO "MOSPROM", Mr. Georgiy Soin, said that the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization is an institute for the development and support of industrial and agricultural products’ export. Specialists of the center support Moscow’s producers, foreign buyers and help build sustainable trade relations.
Mr. Yakir Davidson, the Head of the Trade and Economic Mission of the Embassy of the State of Israel in the Russian Federation, said that the main purpose of the Mission is to increase Israeli exports and economic cooperation between the countries in general. "Our economic bridge is one of the strongest bridges and ties between the countries in recent years", said Mr. Davidson.
The Director of the Israel-Russia Business Council, Mr. Boris Rosenwald, emphasized in his statement that the Business Council pays special attention to education, cultural and charitable projects. However, its main task is to develop trade, economic and investment cooperation between Russia and Israel. "Israel can serve as a point of entry for joint projects that can be implemented with the third world countries," he noted.
Mr. Maxim Svintsionnik, the Director of “Polygal Vostok”, said that the business, localized in Russia, is developing despite the existing difficult circumstances. He also noted that the company, relying on its experience in Russia, is ready to provide consultations to entrepreneurs.
In recent years, Moscow has shown a steady growth in its investment potential. This is confirmed by numerous ratings, including international ones. The Moscow’s Government does not stop there. Further improvement of conditions for doing business and attraction of investments and capital are in the works.
"I will be sincerely gratified if our companies, with the support of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Moscow City Government, the Jewish Business Club "Osher" can organize profitable business processes. I am certain that the Israeli-Russian Business Council is ready to support companies that turn to all of the available venues in order to implement projects that serve the interests of the two countries", - concluded Mr. Vardanyan.