From foreign countries to St. Petersburg

WINDOW ON THE NETHERLANDS

Annemarie Jorritsma-Lebbink,
Vice-Premier and Minister
of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands.

        - In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding, projects on industrial conversion, construction of power plants, energy-saving technologies, environmental studies, and the sale of St. Petersburg's high tech products abroad (especially to Western Europe) are realized in the city for three years within the framework of the Program of Cooperation with the Countries of Central and Eastern Europe (PSO). What results have been achieved in course of the Program's realization? Are you planning to expand the program?
        - The Netherlands will continue the development of long-term industrial and commercial relations with St. Petersburg. The PSO program is one of the means to achieve this goal. The projects are relatively modest in size, but they do directly benefit Russian companies and organizations and do entail concrete results.
        Dutch companies are mostly interested in small projects in industry. For example, the Netherlands' know-how, technologies, and materials have been used for installation of packing equipment in the food-processing sector. This resulted in long-term cooperation between the Russian and Dutch partners. St. Petersburg's transport is also included within the PSO framework.
        PSO projects are the first step in promoting investments and durable trade relations. Local authorities can contribute to this and establish intensive relations with international financial institutions (World Bank, EBRD) in order to get credits for investment for the private sector.
        In 2000 the Netherlands plans to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Petersburg so new PSO projects will be realized within its framework.
        - What fields of cooperation with St. Petersburg do you consider the most promising?
        - Every year the Netherlands, St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the PSO program. This document always includes a list of branches of industry in which PSO projects are to be realized. These branches of industry are chosen by the enterprises striving for the participation in the program. In 1999 priority was given to St. Petersburg's power plant construction industry and its conversion industry. In Leningrad Region two sectors were chosen, namely, transport and agriculture. Before determining the most promising sectors it is, of course, necessary to take into account local regulations on the most important directions of municipal and regional development, though the final decisions are made by the involved businesspeople of both countries.
        - Today there are about 25 companies in St. Petersburg that are partly or wholly financed by Dutch capital. How do you see future cooperation between Dutch business and St. Petersburg? What should be done to promote Dutch investments in our city?
        - It is true that many Netherlands companies work in your city. According to the Consulate General of the Netherlands in St. Petersburg, there are about 50 Dutch companies working in various spheres. The Russian Federation decided that reconstruction of local industry was a priority, so this direction should be central for foreign companies. But foreign investments into local industry must be protected by federal and local regulations. I hope that Dutch investors will be attracted to participation in local industry by the investment laws adopted in St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region, and by the new tax code as well. The authorities of the Leningrad oblast and the city of St. Petersburg determine the priority sectors of the PSO programme. The concrete project proposals are formulated by Dutch and Russian companies within these sectors.
        - Last year the Netherlands occupied 9th place in exports and 5th place in imports in St. Petersburg foreign trade. Do you think growth of trade is likely?
        - As I know, the Netherlands supplied a great amount of food products to the Russian market before the crisis of 1998. After that local industry began to get back on its feet, thanks largely to inflation and rise in prices; on the other hand, there was a noted decrease in food imports. I think that trade between St. Petersburg and the Netherlands may be increased by supplying industrial equipment and raw materials from the Netherlands.
        - How do you evaluate the significance of the Window on the Netherlands program for the development of cooperation with St. Petersburg?
        - As you know, the Window on the Netherlands program was first introduced in St. Petersburg four years ago and was dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the Great Embassy of Peter the Great to Holland. The Program's main idea was to give a new impulse to the historical relations between St. Petersburg and the Netherlands. Since then it has become a tradition and will celebrate its 5th anniversary next year. As Minister for Transport and Water, I visited St. Petersburg twice. I must admit that the idea of the Program to unite economic, political, cultural, and educational activities is very timely. Because it shows all aspects of our bilateral cooperation, it is helping to raise the popularity of the Netherlands among Petersburgers.

From foreign countries to St. Petersburg

"Your City Must Play a Key Role"

Ronaldo Mota Sardenberg,
Minister for Special Projects, Brazil

        Not long ago Brazil was in a very difficult economic situation, but today the country has completely restored its economy and left other countries of Latin America behind.
        - What is the secret of Brazil's economic recovery? Are there any global means to restore the economy?
        - Brazil gained certain experience of economic recovery and getting investments. Today the country is getting more than a half of the foreign investments that are being received by Latin America. At the same time the country's contribution to the economy of Latin America on the whole makes up only one third. I'm not sure that Russia may follow our example, because you must analyse your economic situation and come to necessary conclusions on your own.
        - What are your projections for the development of cooperation between Brazil and Russia? What role can be played by St. Petersburg in this situation?
        - I stand for the development of multilateral cooperation between Russia and Brazil. It must develop both at the interstate level and between various companies and organizations. Certain steps are already taken in this direction, for example, a special Committee is organized and exchange of delegations is taking place.
        St. Petersburg impressed me greatly by its culture, advanced technologies, and industry. I am sure that this city, which is at the same time a seaport, must play a key role in the development of economic relations between Brazil and Russia. To create a foundation for our long-term cooperation I suggest to organize a Society of Friendship for Petersburg and some Brazil's region. I am ready to help your city to deal with this problem.

Interview by Marina Alekseeva

From foreign countries to St. Petersburg

A YEAR OF RUSSIA IN NICE
St. Petersburg representatives are expected to go to Cote d'Azur

Mr. Jacques Peyrat,
the mayor

        - What is the main reason for the opening of a Year of Russia in Nice?
        - Russia contributed to Nice's transformation into a center of tourism. It was connected, in particular, with the Russian royal family having its winter holiday in Cote d'Azur. Nice wants to show its respect to your country by opening of the Year of Russia.
        - Do you have any personal ties with Russia and St. Petersburg?
        - As a member of Parliament I was among members of the French deputy delegation who visited Russia. In September 1997 I headed Nice's first official delegation to St. Petersburg as Nice's mayor.
        - What are the reasons for Nice's taking special interest in St. Petersburg?
        - In September 1997 I signed a Protocol of Friendship together with Mr. Vladimir Yakovlev, St. Petersburg's governor. That Protocol determined mutual relations between Nice and St. Petersburg. A Year of Russia will be an excellent proof of friendship between the two cities. It will add a cultural aspect to our mutually friendly relations. Besides, the future visit of the St. Petersburg governor to Nice will give us an opportunity to sign a Twinning Agreement.
        - What are the most important factors contributing to the strengthening of ties between Nice and St. Petersburg?
        - They are the Protocol of Friendship as well as the Year of Russia. They will significantly contribute to the strengthening of mutually friendly relations between the two cities. This year we are planning to carry out several programs. They refer to the development of photography, and they will also introduce our guests to our New-Year's village, international fair, and festival of military music. We shall also hold Women's Day dedicated to a famous Russian woman.
        - Are there any places in Nice that remind us of its old relations with St. Petersburg?
        - St. Petersburg was the tsarist Russian capital, and Nice received the Russian royal family for many years. For this reason we have many historical places that remind us of Russia. They are the lycee du Parc Imperial, le Boulevard Tzarevitch, l'Eglise Russe, le Chateau des Ollieres, and other places.
        - St. Petersburg will be 300 in 2003. Will Nice celebrate this date?
        - Nice is striving for the further development of friendly relations with St. Petersburg, so it will willingly support any St. Petersburg's project directed towards this development.

St. Petersburg - Nice