The neighbors

DIALOGUE WITH AN OPTIMIST:
"We Have Much in Common",

Marjatta Punin says

        - I may be resolutely called a post-crisis council. I happened to be in Russia at a time when this country seemed to be very close to the brink. The banking system was paralyzed, a lot of Russian firms went bankrupt, all trade agreements were ineffective. Suffice it to say that our export at that time fell nearly two-fold and a great and unexpected shock hit food producers, particularly those whose share before the crisis had been more than one third and their share in St. Petersburg was as much as 80 percent.
        - And how did the process continue and change? The shock was rather strong, and could either side suggest ways for overcoming such a major crisis?
        - But why not? We had previously experienced (and I had been an eyewitness of that) similar situations. I mean the period of perestroika. Prior to the collapse of the Soviet Union all agreements were based on clearing, and the goods of either side were definitely determined beforehand. At that time there were about a hundred of large firms involved in export and very few of them were familiar with their customers. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union everything began from scratch. Partners had to be sought again, new agreements had to be signed and export terms were determined at our own risk. There was a lot of hard work to be done! I really benefited from the knowledge and experience that I have gained while studying and working in your country. I enjoy recalling those difficult, yet memorable days.
        - And in general how are the relations between our countries stand today?
         - You see, your country, and Petersburg above all, is of particular significance for Finland. We have much in common, even the gauge of our railway tracks is the same. That's why both sides realized that we can not exist apart from each other.
        After the August crisis almost no Finnish firms have left Petersburg. More than six hundred companies are registered here; they are active in various branches of the economy, both production and service.
         - Marjatta, I notice you have not only been an eyewitness, but have also taken part in the significant events crucial for our country. Is your attitude to Russia at all colored or influenced by all those disagreeable moments?
         - Not in the slightest. I have faith in our friendly relations as good neighbors, I have faith in your country which is associated in my mind with the image of Vanka-Vstanka (a toy) who invariably returns to his standing position whenever he is knocked over.

Interview by Marina Alexeeva