| 16 |
Tsunami Reaches Sweden by Gregory Zhuck, Stockholm
The scale of the catastrophe in the Indian Ocean horrified people all over the world.
But though there was little to be done about the natural phenomena at the time of the
incident, plenty was determined by the actions of world leaders in the aftermath. The
Swedish PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs are criticized by their people for gross
incompetence and lack of compassion. |
| 20 |
Water Rising: Forced Compensation by Mark Ostanin, Tallinn
The storm that swept over the Baltic Sea in the beginning of January caused a considerable
rise of water and flooding of coastal areas. Significant damage was done to people's homes
and property. Will there be compensation for flood damage in Estonia? The government and
insurance companies look for compromise. |
| 22 |
Water Rising: its Majesty Force-Majeur by Victor Rainer, Helsinki
Flooding troubles in Finland. Who should pay for 1000 cars damaged by water on the parking
place in custom terminal? |
| 24 |
The "New" Orange Elite by Vitaly Portnikov, Moscow
Mass protests in Ukraine changed the results of the elections. Is this a triumph of democracy
or skillful manipulation? Who are the politicians that have now come to power in the Ukraine?
How new are they to the Ukrainian political scene? |
| 27 |
What it Takes to be Orange by Aleksei Titievski, Helsinki
In Ukraine citizens took to the streets to protest what they charged were fraudulent and
manipulated elections. To fully understand the significance of the events it is necessary to
look into Ukraine, its people, their way of life and the choices they make. |
| 28 |
The Russian Factor by Andres Kingisepp, Stockholm
A look on the Ukrainian elections from a material point of view: it looks like the change to a new
President is most beneficial for... Russia. For Russian business to be more precise. Businessmen from
this country have for some time been longing to take under their control Ukraine's metal industry
(Krivorozhstal) and the former prime minister (supported by Moscow as the candidate for the presidency)
was the one standing in their way. Now there are different players on the field and Russian business got
a new chance. |
| 30 |
A Tale of Two Elections by Jim Thompson, LA (with Ray Muller)
In a drama that has unfolded like a modern day tale of two cities, lawmakers in Kiev and Washington are
examining their trust and faith in the fundamentals of freedom. As U.S. officials charged the Ukraine with
cheating the people of that country out of their rights, a U.S. professor noted the discrepancy between
the exit polls, which showed Democratic Party candidate John Kerry as the clear winner in the Presidential
race. |
| 34 |
Transportation: In Different Directions by Alexander Istomin, St. Petersburg
For the past 3 years there has been an ongoing feud between Russian ports and Russian railroads. The gist
of the matter lies in special low railroad tariffs for goods shipped through Russian ports. Now that the
tariffs are 12.5% higher, Russian ports fear loosing a large chunk of their loads. |
| 38 |
Transportation: Who Will Prosper? by Victor Rainer, Helsinki
Internal railroad tariffs in Russia have been raised, making it less favorable to reload goods unto ships
in Russian ports. What effect will this have on the transportation industry in Finland? Will the cargo
load be shifted towards Finnish railroad transporters? How decisions made in Russia can influence foreign
businesses. |
| 42 |
Prize and Price for Innovations by Modris Auzins, Riga
It was 10 years ago that mobile communications first appeared in Latvia. Today more than
60% of the population has mobile phones and this figure is constantly growing. This fact
is the more interesting since the tariffs for mobile communications are highest in the EU,
while Latvia is considered to be the poorest country of the Union. |
| 46 |
German Saab and Swedish Cadillac by Sergei Pankratov, Stockholm
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
Mergers and acquisitions in the automobile industry have reached such gigantic proportions
that often decisions about the production of national brand cars are made far from their
homeland. Some time ago Sweden lost control over its famous Saab. Now it might loose production
on the whole. Investors think that it would make more sense to build the cars in Germany. Will
Saab become German? |
| 50 |
Choosing your House by John Pagni, Helsinki
For those people who have chosen to build their own wooden home, the Finnish company
Lapponia House offers infinite possibilities. The company has been successfully selling
houses to countries all over the world. The secret is in the attention to detail,
Scandinavian quality, awareness of national specifics and readiness to provide modifications
the client desires. And very special technology. |
| 58 |
Tourism: A Great Gift or Pandora's Box? by Nikolai Meinert, Helsinki
It seems that everything has been working against the tourism industry: earthquakes,
tsunami, terrorists, oil prices, floods, epidemics. In the last three years the industry
grew just 1%. Is this the end of tourism as we know it and what are the latest trends? |
| 64 |
Tourism: Snow all Year Round by Alexander Dubrovsky, Vuokatti
FinFun is offering tourists package tours to exotic Lapland. The combination of snow, Santa Claus,
tranquility and untouched nature is favored by tourists from all over the world. What exactly does
Finland have to offer to attract more travelers now and in the future? |
| 68 |
Tourism: The Crimea Mirage by Goran Svensson, Simferopol
During the Imperial and Soviet times Crimea was considered the pearl of the Black Sea. The unique
combination of sea and mountain air, beautiful landscapes, sunny beaches, plenty of historical sights
to visit - a place fit for kings. The desire to visit the resorts is still strong among Russians, but
are the resorts still there? Or is spending holidays in the Crimea a thing of the past? |
| 76 |
Best Hotels of the World: Warsaw History in Le Royal Meridien Bristol by Anatoliy Kovalev
During WWII the city of Warsaw was practically totally destroyed. Among the buildings that
miraculously survived was the Le Royal Meridien Bristol hotel. Today it continues to uphold
the traditions of pre-war Poland: a historic landmark and one of Poland's best hotels. |
| 80 |
The "Black" Scenario by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
Three years ago specialists estimated that if oil prices grow higher than 40 USD per barrel serious
changes will follow in the use of this resource. The "black" scenario predicted among others the
switch to alternative fuels by those industries and countries that heavily depend on oil. Gas seems
to be the logical alternative. A lot has been done in oil-poor Europe to facilitate the switch. |
| 86 |
Behind the Price Interview with the Ali Beglov, St. Petersburg
If alternative energy sources are found in the near future the situation on the oil and gas market
will change dramatically. Such revolutionary changes will no doubt have a huge impact on oil exporting
countries. Ali Beglov, General Director of Lukoil-Neva, shares his views with NH readers on the present
pricing policies and the way they might change our future. |
| 88 |
Nothing Left Over by Marina Antonova, St. Petersburg
Modern recycling technologies allow processing 73% of garbage into secondary materials;
only 27% is left behind to be "buried" as totally useless. The Finnish company Kuusakoski
Oy implements these technologies all over the world wherever effective and profitable recycling
is required. |
| 92 |
There are Tomatoes and then there are Tomatoes by Andres Reimer, Tallinn
Genetically modified food products are threatening to flood Estonian markets. Upon joining the
EU Estonia lost its right to independently uphold its economic interests: making decisions on
the circulation of certain products are now in the full competency of the European Commission. |
| 96 |
In Keeping with Traditions by Gennadi Muravin, Helsinki
Finland has a reputation of being the least corrupt country in the world, but the Finnish people
honor not only the law, but also their traditions. Some, like the details of celebrating Christmas,
date back to the 17th century, some, like the amazing theatrical celebration of Easter in the center
of Helsinki, are new. With a delicate balance of modern influences they make Finland attractive for
locals and tourists alike. |
| 102 |
Baltic Legislation
Estonia:
From the 1st of January income tax for Estonian residents was lowered from 26% to 24%, making
Estonia even more attractive for businesses and investors. In this issue we look at taxation of
natural persons non-residents of Estonia. (Material prepared by company Larssen)
Finland:
Transporting passengers from Finland into Russia and vice versa has become a booming business. How
legitimate are the companies that offer to get you from point A to B in their own car or bus? How to
organize a new bus rout? What you should know as passenger or transport provider. (Material prepared
by company Ariscon Consulting Oy) |
