Alaska Businesses Acclaim Russian Far East Opportunities
"I am extremely encouraged by the long term opportunity in Russia. I represent several Alaskan companies and am excited to report that I will return to Russia again in two weeks to establish a business presence in Sakhalin." Chris Sutton, President, Go Alaska, Inc.
"Being part of a large group comprised of both government and business people from Alaska saved me a lot of frustration and time in trying to make the necessary contacts in Russia. Alaska’s legislators were able to open doors, that we as business men and women would not have known how to open. The risks of doing business in the Russian Far East are high, but the potential is great for operating business in this part of the world." Stanley Foo, Alaska Manager, Placer Dome of Alaska
"A lot of business people are concerned about the complex tax and regulatory structure in the Russian Far East. While on this mission, however, I realized that the rules are becoming more clear and understandable. People are doing business in Russia and doing it successfully. The Russian Far East is on the verge of some tremendous economic growth."
"I had the opportunity to meet with Russian business students and young Russian entrepreneurs and was extremely impressed with their energy and enthusiasm to build successful businesses" Dave Parish, President, Parish and Associates
"I not only made friends who will be in my life for a long time, but I accomplished my goal on this mission -- I had the opportunity to gather the information I needed and meet the people necessary to make an informed decision whether to do business in Russia. While there, I made three conclusions: business opportunities clearly exist; the opportunities are clearly within the strategic emphasis of NANA-Marriott’s food services and facilities management; identifies good potential Russian partners."
"There is no question about the long term future here in the Russian Far East. The opportunities are identical to Alaska as far as the kinds of services needed." James Gibney, Vice President of Sales, Marriott Management Services.
"Politics in Russia makes the difference between success and failure. Our Alaska legislators have done a good job creating a positive working atmosphere for Alaskan companies doing business in Russia."
"Each time I come I am impressed with the Russian people -- they are open, hospitable, extremely warm and friendly. They are the kind of people I would like to partner with in business."
"I am close to forming a joint venture here in Russia and looking at opportunities that might come available to provide the Sakhalin technical college with supplies." Mark Bradley, Alaska Manager, Alaska Airgas
"There are probably as many opportunities in Russia as there were in Alaska during the development of Prudhoe Bay. However, the devil is in the details when you consider permits, customs, licenses and opening an office. Its great to see our Alaska legislators working with Russian Duma members to help create a better business climate. We need the Alaska government’s continued support and ongoing work in Russia to feel secure in doing business here." Joe Mathis, Manager, Business Development, NANA Corporation
"We were enthusiastically greeted by government, private and industrial interests in Russia and are developing concrete trade relationships now in Sakhalin and Khabarovsk. To duplicate the value of this group visit I believe three or four separate business trips would have been required."
"The trip was extremely productive. As a result of our visit, we are negotiating agreements with a major Russian Far East company to distribute large volumes of wholesale security hardware. We are negotiating with a major Russian developer to install -- through a joint venture -- electronic security systems. And, we are looking to supply oil industry security product needs through several Russian joint ventures." Dave Harbour, President & Chief Executive Officer, Action Security Co.
"I learned one valuable aspect of doing business in Russia -- business doesn’t go forward unless government approves. I felt I was pre-approved because I participated in this government trade mission."
"I not only made the educational contacts I needed, but found that participating in an organized mission was helpful because everything was planned. I didn’t have to worry about visas, hotels, transportation and other logistics." Kathleen Leitgeb, Director of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Elderhostel Program.
"Our involvement with this trade mission was invaluable. The work sessions that were conducted between the Alaska legislators and Russia Duma members exemplify Alaska’s spirit of commitment in support of Alaska business."
"At this time, Russia suffers from the lack of a stable structure of government, laws, litigation, taxes, duties etc. while these risk factors deter Alaska small business, there is also an opportunity to work with the Russian government through our legislature to improve the process, provide education and value added support for our participation in the market place."
"The business contacts I made and meetings I participated in this past week, along with other factors indicate these opportunities are an ideal match for the businesses I represent. I am confident the members of the Alaska Resource Alliance will be participating on Sakhalin Island in the very near future." Ron Smith, Manager, Lubchem of Alaska, Representative of the Alaska Resource Alliance.