On May 29, the Vice-President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Suren Vardanyan, met with Mr. Thomas Graf, the Director of Economics and Science Department of the German Embassy in Russia.
Mr. Vardanyan presented detailed information about the activities of the Moscow’s Chamber, described the economic situation in Moscow, particularly focusing on priorities of the capital’s authorities, interested in developing not only trade and economics, but scientific and technical aspects as well.
The Vice-President of the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized his interest in attracting new German companies and suggested ways of implementing this idea. For example, the MCCI can organize presentation of its capabilities and viable joint projects. It is possible to organize meetings and conferences, dedicated to youth entrepreneurship. Mr. Vardanian sees prospects in cooperation in brand promotion, franchising and sports. According to the Vice-President of the Chamber, Russian business is already active in organizing joint ventures.
Mr. Graf, the Director of the Economics and Science Department at the German Embassy in Russia, said: "Bilateral trade is developing, and there is a positive trend, especially on the Russian side; the exports to Germany last year exceeded our exports to Russia. Still, there is a trend of positive development of the total volume of bilateral trade. And more importantly, these relations have great potential.”
Mr. Graf emphasized that the desire to develop economic cooperation is not only the desire of the German business, but it is also a shared wish of representatives of German political circles. "On the German side, there is interest in cooperation and there are many topics that should be discussed jointly, especially what the German companies can contribute to solving refuse disposal problems, for example. We are always open to dialogue and combined action," said Mr. Graf.
"If German companies are ready to come to the Russian market and participate, not just in the sale of their projects, but in some co-investment, then this is a topic for discussion, and we, as a Chamber, are ready to present these proposals to Russian businesses and to government agencies. We, in our turn, are ready to consider, discuss and promote these proposals. We appreciate the openness in communication and expect the German side to adhere to this rule," summed up Mr. Vardanian.
In response, the representative of the German embassy noted that the Germans particularly appreciate the openness in their Russian partners, "as well as their pragmatic approach, which allows finding mutually acceptable solutions. This is very important and one of the reasons why German business likes to work in the Russian market.”
Both sides agreed that establishing business ties is also very useful for the relations between our countries, because it gives stability and predictability to these relations.