The Momentum Builds…New England and Russia Build Closer Relationships in Retail
BOSTON, MA, USA, OCTOBER 29, 2003
 The US-Russia Chamber of Commerce of New England scored again with Retail Russia, its latest in a series of Conferences showcasing vibrant industry sectors in The Russian Federation.
Coming days after Moody’s Investment Service raised its rating on the country, Retail Russia featured dynamic speakers from Moscow and the regions, including industry analysts, chain store executives, and consumer goods distributors. New England executives responded by turning out in numbers to listen and ask penetrating questions about the practical aspects of doing business in the newly diversified Russian economy.
“American consumer products companies are just beginning to prioritize the market potential of 146 million increasingly affluent Russian shoppers,” said Daniel Satinsky, President of the US-Russia Chamber of Commerce of New England. “As a Chamber, we see it as our job to help New England companies compete. Retail Russia provided easy, local access to both information and potential partners in the untapped Russian marketplace.”
David Noble, Director of Pyaterochka, Russia’s largest and fastest growing grocery chain, detailed the booming Russian consumer market and challenged the audience, “The bottom line is that if you are a retailer with global ambitions, you’ve really got to get your act together and go now.” That sentiment was echoed by Vladislav Varlashin, President of TransAsia Trade, a $100 million consumer products distributor in the southern Krasnodar region. “Barriers to entry will inevitably increase,” he said, “as more and more American and European companies recognize the opportunity and go for it.”
Sergei Manevich, President of consumer electronics distributor Alliance Marketing Group (Moscow and Woburn, Massachusetts) pointedly described Russia as a “recovering market”, rather than an emerging market, urging Americans to compete more aggressively with Europeans, who are presently enjoying a larger market share in Russia. John Huhs, Senior Partner, LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene and MacRae Moscow Office, provided practical insight and case studies on protecting intellectual property when working in Russia.
Bringing the discussion closer to home, Paula Murphy, Director of the Massachusetts Export Center, struck a chord when she reported, “Russia has been one of the fastest growing markets for Massachusetts products in recent years. So far this year, Massachusetts exports to Russia are up over 100%, led by computers and personal care products.” Michelle Ouellette, Deputy Director, New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, confirmed similarly high growth in exports to Russia by New Hampshire companies.
 Retail Russia was sponsored by the Port of Boston, and supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce BISNIS. In his luncheon address, Trevor Gunn, Director of BISNIS, provided provocative US government statistics in support of becoming involved in Russia and Eurasia. Kelly Hedglin, of Massport and a Board Member of the US-Russia Chamber of Commerce, chaired the Planning Committee for Retail Russia. With many years of personal experience in Russia, Ms. Hedglin also expertly moderated discussions from the floor.
Retail Russia was the first conference in the United States to focus on opportunities presented by the Russian retail sector, and will be presented by the US-Russia Chamber of Commerce of New England on an annual basis.
For further information, please contact Event Organizer:
Kathleen O’Donnell, President
Market Access International Inc.
Phone: 978.465.1100
E-Mail: kod@marketaccess-intl.com
www.usrccne.org
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