Programme

Russia–Switzerland: Diversifying Economic Relations and the Role of Localization

RUSSIAN ECONOMIC AGENDA
BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE
Pavilion G, Conference Hall G5

In order to reduce the dependence on commodities, the diversification of Russia’s export structure has been a key topic for some years now. New local content regulations have been established with the goal of enhancing local production in Russia. For foreign companies however, production in Russia and successful exports from there cannot ignore economic rationales. To what extent is production localization in Russia economically reasonable for Swiss companies? How should the regulatory framework take into account the limited local supply of components and primary products? How do Swiss companies view the export potential of goods produced in their Russian subsidiaries? How can they contribute to the diversification of Russia’s export structure and boost its economy?

Moderator:
Guy Mettan , President, Chamber of Commerce Switzerland-CIS

Panellists
Mikhail Akim , Vice President for Strategic Development, ABB Ltd
Anatoly Artamonov , Governor of Kaluga Region
Bertrand Bonvin , President, Russia and Belarus, Philip Morris International (PMI)
Paul Bulcke , Chairman of the Board, Nestle S.A.
Vadim Vlasov , Country President, Novartis Group Russia
Boris Dubrovsky , Governor of Chelyabinsk Region
Livia Leu , Ambassador; Delegate, Swiss Government for Trade Agreements; Member of the Board, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Harald Pfaller , Chief Executive Officer, Region Greater South & East, Omya International
Erik Fyrwald , Chief Executive Officer, Syngenta

Broadcast

Key moments

To be cost-effective, to grow in export potential, to be able to provide the best competitive digital solutions for Russian industry, we need to have access to the best global supply.
Mikhail Akim
Vice President for Strategic Development, ABB Ltd
Defining a proper regulatory framework is very important for developing new products.
Bertrand Bonvin
President, Russia and Belarus, Philip Morris International (PMI)
How does a company truly link up to a country? We have to adapt our products and communication to the local state. We have to be as close as possible to the reality of the country. You have to have long-term commitments there and that is the expression of trust towards the country. The company must be a part of the country.
Paul Bulcke
Chairman of the Board, Nestle S.A.
We believe very much in the Russian marketplace. We see Russia moving forward in agriculture not only to become self-sufficient but also to become a big exporter. We will be investing more in Russia.
Erik Fyrwald
Chief Executive Officer, Syngenta
Russia’s efforts to diversify its economy should provide new and interesting opportunities for foreign economic actors. Providing a level playing field, fostering innovation, protecting intellectual property rights and allowing for foreign competition will be important factors in attracting foreign companies. Under such conditions the economic exchanges between Switzerland and Russia have a great perspective to gain momentum.
Livia Leu
Ambassador; Delegate, Swiss Government for Trade Agreements; Member of the Board, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
There is a lot of room to develop in Russia.
Harald Pfaller
Chief Executive Officer, Region Greater South & East, Omya International
We are very active in substituting a lot of imported products by locally manufactured ones in order to support diversification and manufacturing here.
Harald Pfaller
Chief Executive Officer, Region Greater South & East, Omya International
An indicator of commercial success is that enterprises that came into the region over a decade ago have upgraded their facilities many times and expanded their capacity.
Vladimir Popov
Minister of Economic Development, Kaluga Region