| 10 |
Another Brick In the EU Wall by David Haworth, Brussels
The issue of the European Constitution is at the center of everyone's attention.
Although all the member nations recently signed up to it in Rome, almost half of
the Union's 25 countries immediately pledged to hold referendums. If even one
rejects the Constitution, the whole exercise will fail. Or will it? |
| 14 |
Without Contradictions?(Interview with the President of Finland Tarja Halonen) by Sergei Pankratov, Helsinki
Can the latest wave of critical publications regarding the Russian Federation in the
Finnish media be called accidental? Does Finland support the idea of allowing Russian
citizens to travel on the territory of the European Union without visas? What is the
real attitude of Finns towards Russians? |
| 16 |
The Baltic Knot(An epilogue to the interview: the Baltic region in Russian and European strategies) by Oleg Geller, Stockholm
The Baltic countries have recently become instrumental in influencing political
relations between the European Union and Russia. Political activities of such
countries as Latvia are becoming more evident. Can the influence of these new EU
members change the future of Russia - EU relations? |
| 20 |
Time For Change by Andrius Mankus, Vilnius
The fourth since it gained its independence elections into Lithuania's parliament
were in many ways unusual. The former principle of the seesaw, when the elections
were won every time by the opposition, failed. Nevertheless, the situation on the
country's political arena got more complicated. |
| 24 |
Gone with the Seasons by Modris Auzins, Riga
In October Latvia once again changed its government. The time in office spent by the
now ex ministers lasted from spring to autumn. Hopefully the new government will last
longer than the previous. |
| 28 |
Economic Geometry: the Finnish Gulf Triangle by Natalia Erchova, Helsinki
What is the probability on the trade zone including Finland, Estonia and Russia's
North-West becoming a constantly growing economic presence? The perspectives of
this happening is a popular object for discussions among the Finnish business
circles. |
| 29 |
Forecast: Warm, Occasionally Cloudy by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
In order to take into account the opinions of Finnish businessmen, who from personal
hands on experience know the business environment in neighbouring Russin, a special
study is carried out in Finland - the so called barometer of Russian - Finnish trade
relations. The latest results look encouraging. |
| 30 |
For the Victory!
The strategy of conquering the Baltic market on the examples of "Lidl", "Stockmann",
"L-Fashion Group", "Marimekko", "Espe" etc.: |
| 32 |
Money under the Mattress by Natalia Erchova, Helsinki
"Espe Group Oy", Finland's largest producer of household textile goods, pillows,
mattresses and a number of other products, is looking to expand its sales and
production into the Baltic countries and Russia. Excellent Finnish quality and
reasonable prices plus an unbending will overcome all obstacles. |
| 36 |
Equation with many Variables by Jorma Reionen, Helsinki
The famous Finnish clothing producer "L-Fashion Group" was founded in 1907 and is
know all over the world for its brands "Luhta", "Rukka", "Preston", "Ril's". Today
it is one of Europe's five largest clothing producers, and it contines to rapidly
expand with its own strategy paying off. |
| 42 |
Marimekko - a National Brand by Göran Svensson, Helsinki
Another example of a successful corporate strategy. You would be hard pressed to
find even one home in Finland without at least something with the famous Marimekko
brand. Today 24% of its turnover falls on export and Marimekko is planning to further
expand outside Finnish borders. Is the right move? Some say no. |
| 46 |
Stockmann Turns to the East by Adrián Soto, Helsinki
The flagman of Finnish retail trade is planning to expand. The process, which began
in 1989 with the opening of two shops in Moscow, is going full swing. Today foreign
operations account for 20% of its turnover. The company is planning to significantly
enlarge this number within the next three years. |
| 53 |
Experience gained by Marina Koluyartseva, St.Petersburg
Stockmann started its foreign campaign in 1989 with the opening of two shops in
Moscow. Then it had almost no competition from other international companies and
infinite possibilities. Today it has shops in two of Russia's cities, but the
competition is tough. Will "Stockmann" hold out? |
| 54 |
Extraordinary Adventures of Finns in Latvia by Modris Auzins, Riga
Out of all the supermarket chains, from the Norwegian "RIMI" to the Lithuanian "VP
Market", "Stockmann" seems to be the most enigmatic enterprise operating in Riga
today. It has been open for more than a year now, but few can explain what exactly
is the essence of its business. |
| 56 |
Good Bargain by Konstantin Ranks, Neckarsulm
"LIDL", the German-based discount food store chain, has more than five thousand
shops all over the world. It is the most aggressive on the European market and the
fastest growing. It strives for a satisfied customer, but very little is known about
the company and its operations. |
| 62 |
Finns in the Russian Forest by Svetlana Pankratova, Moscow
The EU threatens Russia's timber producers with a ban on the export of Russian
unprocessed lumber. According to EU experts at least 40-50% of the timber exported
from Russia into EU countries is produced illegally. Russia calls for sharing the
responsibility for shady dealings with the buying side. |
| 65 |
"...When the Right Time Comes" by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
Russia is looking to boost its timber industry with the help of Finnish investments.
Russian specialists tie the possibility of increasing timber production with
investments into its processing industry. The Finns are interested in quality raw
materials from Russia, but is this as far as their interests go? |
| 70 |
Kotka-Hamina-St.Petersburg's Suburb by Alexander Dubrovsky, Hamina
The Port of Kotka holds the first place in Finland in transit and export shipping. It
is the starting point of sea routs into more than 80 countries. Specialists from
Kotka-Hamina Region of Finland Ltd and Vaalimaa Cargo Oy share their views on the
issues of Finnish transit of Russian cargoes. |
| 76 |
Advertisement for Advertisement by Pietu Takala, Helsinki
A glimpse at the world of visual advertisement. Pietu Takala - the founder of Hacienda
Pictures, one of the top production companies in Finland, shares his experience in
making video ads in Finland and Russia. |
| 80 |
Test Passed? by Ilya Kormiltsev, Moscow
How convenient is it to fly with "cheap" airlines? A lot has been said about the new
"budget" carriers that promise to take you anywhere in the world for practically
nothing. Today we publish the opinion of poet, translator and editor Ilia Kormiltsev,
who speaks from his own experience. |
| 82 |
Best Hotels of the World: Time for VILA SOL SPA & GOLF RESORT by Anatoliy Kovalev
The hotel Vila Sol Spa & Golf Resort has been open for only a few months but it
is situated on the territory of the famous Portuguese golf club Vila Sol, a club that
seems to have been founded more than ten years ago not only for profit, but mainly for
the delight of its owners and their friends. A place fit for kings. |
| 86 |
Christmas Flowers by Julia Undset, Oslo
It has long become a custom in America and Europe to give flowers during the Christmas
season. It seams that Poinsettia - commonly known as Christmas Star - reigns supreme
during this season. In Europe alone people buy 115 million "stars" for this festive
occasion. |
| 94 |
Baltic Legislation: - Estonia's Pension System.
In many Eastern European countries the systems of pension provisions are in the
initial stages of development. For example Estonia's 10-year experience has been
realized in the model presented in this article. (materials prepared by company
Larssen) |
