| 10 |
Nobel Scandals. Svetlana Pankratova, Stockholm
The Nobel Prize is still the most coveted in the world, no wonder that in the
anticipation of each upcoming ceremony everyone's attention turns to the
process of choosing the candidates for this prestigious prize. Some say the
Nobel Prize Committee is having a hard time to keep up with the times, could it
be time for change? |
| 14 |
All Paksas' Men. Andrius Mankus, Vilnius
A political scandal is threatening to unseat the President of Lithuania. Members
of his office are being accused of connections to the criminal world and
foreign secret services. The president's election campaign is said to have been
financed by large Russian corporations. |
| 20 |
Election in Russia: Important or Not Important at All?. Andres Kingisepp, Helsinki
Short review of the new Duma. Glimpse from outside. |
| 24 |
No way to go. Victor Rainer, Helsinki
A new safe transportation line between East and West, the shortcut from Kotskoma
to Lietmajärvi. It is ready but it does not work. Why? |
| 30 |
The Caspian Issue. Sergei Eduardov, Moscow
For more than 10 years the Caspian region has been on everyone's mind as the next
oil «Klondike». Many countries are planning to take advantage of the
opportunities, which could open with the change in the routes of the oil flows.
With the interests of so many countries at stake the region has become a
political and economical battlefield. |
| 36 |
Milky Way. Nikolai Borovikov, Helsinki
Today the Scandinavian Company Arla Foods is the largest European producer of dairy
products. In the last three years, due to a wellchosen strategy, it has
experienced significant growth, placing it among the world's leading companies
in its field of business. With a firm grip on the markets of Western Europe it
is reaching for the vast opportunities of the East. |
| 41 |
Say Cheese (Interview with Irina Karlström, Arla Foods regional
manager for Russia). Michail Timakov, Stockholm
The Swedish-Dutch Company Arla Foods has been active on the Russian market of dairy
products since 1991. In the year 2004 it is planning to almost double its
cheese export into Russia. This ambitious goal will not be easy to achieve. |
| 44 |
Corruption in the Ranks? Modris Auzins, Riga
Police in Latvia are investigating a new possible economical crime. This time the
focus is on digital television and a suspicious deal for over 50 million
dollars. Although no allegations have yet been made, some high ranking
government officials have already lost their posts. |
| 48 |
Foreign chef in Russia. Erwin Peters, Moscow
The restaurant industry seems to be experiencing a real boom in the capital of
Russia. With half a million customers eating out at least once a week the
demand is far from being satisfied. Though each week about half a dozen new
restaurants pop up, it will be long before the market is filled. |
| 54 |
To Spoil the Brand. Lena Chachua, Tbilisi
Through the ages Georgia has been known for its unique wines, but lately the industry
that should have pulled the country's economy out of stagnation has itself been
threatened. Genuine Georgian wine is as hard to find in Georgia itself as it is
abroad. When buying the famous Georgian brands you are not guaranteed that the
product is authentic. |
| 60 |
The Spirit of Giving. Jukka Heikkilä, Helsinki
Holiday Season is upon us, time for celebration, giving and receiving gifts.
What kind of gifts are appropriate for business partners and clients? In
different countries there are certain rules and traditions as to what people
expect, knowing them might just be the difference between offending a client or
securing a deal. |
| 64 |
To the Point. Jüri Martin, Tallinn
How much exactly is being done in the Baltic countries in order to protect the
natural environment. Estonia has its own national strategy programme on the
issues of environment as well as a number of other vital documents. This
article focuses on the implementation of these programmes. |
| 70 |
Going Up. Petr Kolupaev
Profession - porno producer. On the history of one of today's most profitable businesses -
pornography. The sexual revolution of the 1960th turned pornography into a
legal profitable industry. |
| 72 |
Red Light District. Fedor Michailov, Stockholm
Profession - prostitute. Scandinavian countries are trying to find an optimal solution to
the questionable business of providing sexual services. Apart from legal
problems there are moral and psychological issues to be considered. How are
different countries coping with prostitution? |
| 78 |
Best Hotels of the World: Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal. Anatoliy Kovalev
Situated in the heart of Budapest, the Corinthia Grand hotel Royal is undoubtedly the
most luxurious hotel in the city. Opened in 1896, this elegant hotel is in
itself a historical landmark. Preserving through the centuries its original
splendour it has become a symbol of Hungarian history, culture, architecture
and tradition. |
| 82 |
Vacation in Croatia? Ljubov Meinert, Zagreb
Croatia is putting all its hopes of rebuilding the country's war shattered economy into
the tourism industry. The once world-renowned sea resorts are winning back
their lost popularity. Croatians are determined to do everything in their power
so that more and more people from neighbouring countries choose their country
as their next holiday destination. |
| 86 |
The Alvar Aalto Stool. Konstantin Ranks, Helsinki
Finnish Furniture, Finnish Design - these words have become household since the 1930th.
It was at that time that the Finnish ideas on design were formed, mostly
through the works and influences of the famous Finnish designer and architect
Alvar Aalto. |
| 92 |
Business Legislation:
- Trade mark: protection in Russia |
