| 18 |
Business in Russia. by Alexej Smirnov, Tallinn
This year’s Baltic Development Forum held in Tallinn was summarily ignored by Russia. Is there no interest in cooperation with the Baltic region? How is the Russian economy developing? How are the close presidential elections influencing business in Russia? NH asked these and other questions the executive secretary of the Russian Union of Industrialists & Entrepreneurs Igor Yurgens.
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| 24 |
Timber Troubles. by Veronika Pennanen, Helsinki
In hopes of attracting investment into modern wood processing plants on its territory, Russia raised the export tariffs for raw wood, putting a significant number of Finnish businesses in jeopardy. The hope that Finns will move their production to the East, however, has not yet materialised.
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| 29 |
Without an Enemy. by Sergei Tushin, Lindk?ping
For almost two centuries Sweden strengthened its army in anticipation of a Russian invasion. But the fall of the Soviet Union changed the way Swedes look at their defence system. What is in store for the Swedish army in the future?
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| 34 |
A Truck for James Bond. by Gorran Svensson, Karjaa
The Sisu Auto truck factory is located in Finland. Its strength lies in arctic know-how and flexible production technology as well as its specializing in trucks for unique and demanding driving conditions. SISU’s strategy can be crystallised in the words heavy duty, high power, multi-axle, off highway and factory ready.
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| 38 |
Fighting for the North. by Natalia Gracheva, Oslo
The Norwegian defence budget for 2007 amounted to NOK 31 billion. Although this represents a continued high budget level for the defence sector, the financial situation in the Norwegian armed forces remains dire. Priority is given to the High North and international operations where Norway sees the need to defend its territorial and economic interests.
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| 40 |
Special Zone for Special People. by Alexander Istomin, St. Petersburg
In keeping with the law on Special Economic Zones on the territory of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg is organising two such zones. What will they bring for businesses and for the city, and how easy is it to become a resident of such a zone.
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| 44 |
The Land of Food Nationalists. by Alexej Smirnov, Stockholm
It can probably be said that today Sweden, not France or Italy, is the country where the amount of attention given to food is the highest in the world. Latest polls show that Swedish women consider the profession of cook for a man as one of the sexiest and most desirable. What is going on in this Northern country?
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| 49 |
Foods and Diplomacy. by Sergei Reimers, T?by
Can food influence the decisions of politicians made even on the highest level? Richard Tellstr?m, researcher at the Department of Restaurant and Culinary Arts at the Swedish ?rebro University, says it can and does. His unusual research looks into the modern European political food culture.
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| 50 |
The Art of Packaging. by Liisa Reijonen, Helsinki
Finnish innovations in the packaging industry are aimed at delivering the best possible quality to the consumer without affecting the environment. Finfood keeps the NH readers up to date.
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| 52 |
Made in Sweden. by Sergei Tushin, Salberga
In a time when it is getting more and more difficult to find products with labels stating that they are made in European countries, products from Sweden are surprisingly common. How does Sweden manage to compete with China and India? The answer lies in the country’s … prison.
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| 56 |
Privatization in Sweden. by Nikolai Sorkut, Stockholm
Municipal housing is up for privatization in Sweden and more and more people are taking the opportunity to buy out their homes from the government. However it is important to consider location and housing type in the privatization of rental housing, otherwise the big buy will be followed by even bigger losses.
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| 62 |
Surprise, Surprise! by Nikolai Sorkut, Stockholm
Our correspondent looks at the new products that will soon hit the shelves and surprise us all. From mobile telephones for the left-handed to colour changing cars – the future looks full of consumer delights.
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| 68 |
Home of Santa. Kaarina Kiviniemi, Rovaniemi
Many countries would like to claim that Santa Clause resides on their territory, but it is Finland that remains to this day the most successful in upholding this claim. The reason – a serious approach and excellent ability to market the special season.
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| 71 |
Oh, Christmas Tree. by Natalia Gracheva, Copenhagen
Where does the tradition to decorate fur trees for Christmas come from? Is it better to chop down a real tree or buy a fake plastic one? What type of tree is the best? How to make your tree to look fresher and last longer? You will find all the answers to these vital questions and more in this issue of NH.
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| 77 |
Holiday Trends. by Marina Koluyartseva, St. Petersburg
Since the fall of the Soviet Union the amount of Russian tourists travelling abroad has been steadily growing. Where exactly do Russians go for their holidays and when? What are the trends if any?
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| 82 |
Skiing in Lapland. by Liisa Reijonen, Helsinki
Finnish Lapland is not only the home of Santa Claus. Lapland is the centre of winter tourism. Each year thousands of Finnish and international tourists take to its snowy slopes.
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| 88 |
Africa’s Fairytale Island. Larisa Pelle, Antananarivo
Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world, and is home to five percent of the world's plant and animal species; more than 80 percent of which can only be found here. Most popular among tourists are the lemur. But flora and fauna are not the only magnets drawing in more and more tourists from around the world each year.
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| 92 |
Hummer Н2 Conquers Europe. by Gorran Svensson
The new Hummer H2 has swept Europe by offering its clients the perfect combination of ultimate freedom to go just about anywhere and do just about anything in the comfort of a luxurious new interior. By striking a perfect balance between off-road comfort and on-road capability the H2 has attracted a wide range of new buyers.
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| 94 |
Business Legislation
• Labour Contracts in Finland. Continue
(Materials prepared by NordLex, Law Offices)
• Favourable Taxation of Residents of Special Economic Zones
(materials prepared by Maria Scherbakova, BDO Unicon North-West)
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