Evgeniy Dridze
We will explain, not direct
In what corner of the Earth can we find business partners? How to build international cooperation; and what will be the new version of Capital Ideas, – this was discussed in an exclusive interview by Evgeniy Dridze, deputy head of the Department of foreign economic and international relations of Moscow-city (DVMS)
Mr Dridze, after three years break, the business magazine Capital Ideas, which was first published in 2012 under the auspices of the DVMS, is coming off the press. The pause in production was largely caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. However, we’re currently facing even more challenging times. Anti-Russian sanctions have knocked retail, finances, logistics; and it seems that everything is going up in smoke…
In such difficult circumstances one must stay optimistic. For public officials, it’s easier <smiles>. The truth is, that in such times new opportunities are opening up; and in order to recognize them, one needs information. Information, oriented towards international business is in short supply nowadays.
Capital Ideas – is an English language financial and business journal – to help international business figure out what is going on in the Moscow economy, amid the current restrictions. Admittedly, there is a shortage of information, especially for foreigners, and we believe that such a magazine might fill the void. Moscow, in turn, truly does a lot to retain business for itself. Despite the pressure of sanctions, the city is economically stable and Moscow authorities do everything possible to make things easier for business.
Will Capital Ideas explain and give us some hints?
The journal does not set out to give hints, or to direct people what to do. The journal is intended for a professional audience. We shall also not make predictions, since under the current circumstances it would look like speculation.
Capital Ideas is about our current state of affairs. The magazine will impartially cover today’s status of business with consideration to the point of view of the international readership, so that one can take advantage of its material, analytics, expert opinions, and draw valuable insight from the articles.
When you talk about foreign business, whom do you, first of all, mean?
Everyone. Yes, we are in search of new partners in numerous countries, but in no way do we turn our back on those with whom the city has cooperated for many years, and those who gave jobs to Muscovites and payed taxes here. The selection of a partner, lastly, is contingent upon the needs of every industry, and certainly, on the readiness of such a partner to stay and operate here. I will not deny that our contacts with Turkey, China, Iran, and India have become substantially more intensive, but they existed earlier, already at high level.
Meaning, you believe that Russia is cooperating internationally?
Definitely. We acknowledge that under the circumstances it has become extremely tough. – The country is in a state of trenchant conflict with what was until recently our biggest trading partner. Nevertheless, the world is global and everything is international now; so we shall work with that. What we are forced to substitute, we shall substitute. Moreover, we will cooperate with those who will continue to work here, using every opportunity we have.