Sochi sentiment buoys investors
Published: 18 September, 2009, 20:06
TAGS: Investment, Markets, Russia and the global economy, Economy
Business and political leaders meeting at the Sochi International Investment Forum have heard that Russia will be looking to encourage greater foreign investment.
From crisis sorrow – to the optimism of recovery. Major global investors, such as Morgan Stanley Chairman, John Mack , say the world has accumulated a lot of cash which needs to be put to use.
”The amount of capital available for investment around the world is the largest I’ve seen. In the U.S. our best estimates are there are $5 trillion in households, that’s been saved and at some point will come into the investment market. If you go to Japan the number of savings of yen in dollar terms its close to $7 trillion. I believe Russia could be huge benefactor of that capital.”
Russia needs both cash and expertise to invest in infrastructure, telecoms, and high-tech industries. Investors want more transparency, consistent application of law and no double standards for foreign and domestic firms. Prime Minister Putin’s optimism encouraged investors.
”I think, in the nearest future, and I would like this to happen, and the government is issuing such challenge, the interest rate in our banking system will be about 6%.”
His comments drew a storm of applause. But in order to achieve this, he says, Russia needs to tackle its Achilles’ heel – double digit inflation.
As for practical, immediate measures – Russian ministered pledged to cut red tape and offered state guarantees to encourage the building of infrastructure.
At the international investment forum in Sochi Prime Minister Putin said Russia has every chances to become one of the main investment targets for foreign capital and that the crisis may even help. Forum participants agree – this could happen, especially if all the measures promised become reality.
Banking for a better futureWith Prime Minister Putin and business leaders meeting at the Sochi International Investment Forum, Business RT spoke with Joerg Bongartz, Chairman of Deutsche Bank Russia, about the Russian economy and finance system. |
Sochi looks to position itself for beyond the OlympicsSochi plans to attract $2.5 billion investment, for the Winter Olympics in 2014. If it meets its goal to be known as the 'Hospitable City', investors say the resort could become a cash machine, for years after the Games. |
All good stuff, but remember the difference between investment returns and perpetual ownership and control, then Russia will be ours and the investors will be happy, and of course the world will be, because Russia will be a positive free commercial force in a mulipolar world. Ownership is hard to take back! Returns are great to receive! Infrastructure, the built environment and healthcare - deliver on these and watch a Russian smile!











There ought to be more cautioin in this world following what happened. Has anyone learned anything? True, investments are needed to spur economic growth and better standard of living. But the question is, what kind of investment? Here is the statement that should raise concerns: "...The amount of capital available for investment around the world is the largest I’ve seen. In the U.S. our best estimates are there are $5 trillion in households, that’s been saved and at some point will come into the investment market. If you go to Japan the number of savings of yen in dollar terms its close to $7 trillion. I believe Russia could be huge benefactor of that capital.” I do not think so. Huge scrutiny, as well as some new international regulation of investment capital, is needed, before Russia or any other country can merrily jump back into the same vortex. Where did this capital come from? US banks still hold untold trillions in "toxic" assets, and the TARP program, instead of buying them out from the banks --- and draining the swamp --- decided to let the problem stay under the rug. It just gave money to banks, "scouts honor", that they are really declaring the toxic assets as they should. All of a sudden, there is plenty of money, and the banks are showing huge profits. . The problem that Russia experienced was exactly with this kind of investments. First, many Russian private companies were leveraged by investment capital, and then found themselves practically insolvent. Had it not been for the rescue packages by Russian government managed by Russian banks, many Russian companies would have been on the auction block. Second, this is a fleeting capital, with no real "skin" in the game. Easy come, easy go. Russia can get investment capital by partnering with companies that produce something in real economy. Producers, have the skin in the game. Each partner should shoulder its share of the risk in capital acquisition.