is it Possible to export in the current environment? What will happen with the world economy in the next six months?
Natalia Serova: exportation is possible but each country sets its own limitations. This, of course, does not depend on the centre and government of Crimea. Now it is important to monitor the changes and address the issues that can be solved remotely. All official structures responsible for foreign trade, such as the CCI of Russia, the Ministry of industry and trade, Russian export center, has now opened a hotline where you can obtain information about the work during the General isolation. We are bringing this information to our entrepreneurs every day, we publish.
as the global economy, it will decline. This is not just experts say. Our task is to support the Crimean business. That is why we have already started to prepare to help our businesses to survive and rebuild the economy. Creating and maintaining a business has never been easy. Now, however, entrepreneurs have many support tools. Export is a possibility, the prospect. Those who understand it, ensure its business future.
How is the work of the centre in terms of universal isolation?
Natalia Serova: We work remotely. All off-site activities moved to the middle and the end of the second quarter. Planned remotely to search for partners, negotiations and review of contracts. We will also conduct training online. Scheduled for April three workshops that will help participants to understand the basics of export activities, teach effectively present their business to international exhibitions and business missions.
in the Spring of the delegation of the Peninsula, including the representatives of the centre and entrepreneurs, visited India and the UAE. What agreements were reached? In some Crimean products are interested in these countries?
Natalia Serova: With the beginning of the year entrepreneurs with the support of the centre had already twice visited in India: in addition to the business mission, there was still food exhibition. We are proud that we were able to find in India a good partner, with which it established a process of target selection of companies.
now is the primary preparation for the reverse of the business mission to India. Plan to adopt it in may, but will move if necessary. Indian business is interested in a wide range of Crimean goods and services: drinking water, wine, essential oils, industrial products for oil refineries. Of course, actively discussed the tourism and education. Big plans for cooperation in the film industry.
as for the UAE, we took on a high level. Preparation b��SNES mission was difficult, there was a high risk of political obstacles, but in the end everything turned out well. It was proposed to open a mission centre in the Emirates. We are now engaged in risk assessment and prospects of such cooperation. We opened the doors to representatives of chambers of Commerce and offered his support. Emirates is the gateway to the market of other Arab countries. We planned a business mission with the expectation of Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia. From these countries already received requests for cosmetics, grains, canned products, cereals and essential oil.
Which countries and why are strategic partners of the Crimea. What can they offer the Crimea?
Natalia Serova: Said: “When one door closes, another opens”. Eastern countries, in contrast, is unavailable at the moment of the West, represent a huge market, which should not be underestimated. Open for cooperation of the CIS countries, communication with their representatives can lead in the Russian language, which greatly simplifies many of the organizational and contractual aspects. So the strategic partners in the Crimea enough. Perspective is India, China, Syria, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and many others, this is not a complete list. When preparing to travel we are forming a mutual request needs with the host and select the appropriate company.
last year, the Crimean company received its official marking Made in Russia. This increases awareness of products and brands abroad. For marking must undergo a certification procedure in the Russian export center. Why the Crimean company is not in a hurry to get this label?
Natalia Serova: the labeling of the product does not give any privileges or benefits. Marking is made more for the prestige, for those wishing to emphasize their status. The receipt is only a personal desire of the management companies. We won’t force them to labeling if they do not consider it necessary. However, we inform about this possibility and encourage the activity of the companies.
the Russian export centre reviewed the work of the export support centres in the regions and has made a rating of the centers for 2019. Southern regional center took the 23rd place out of 72. Taking into account the geopolitical peculiarities of the Crimea and short-lived in comparison with other regions of the existence of the center (2017), this result can be considered a success.
Natalia Serova: Really appreciate your awareness. But I want a little bit to adjust the data. At the moment, the Crimea is not on the 23rd, and on the 19th place, as we personally informed the REC and congratulated for the considerable progress. And it’s already top 20. While we compete with all regions of Russia, which is notpitiwat myself such a hard impact of the sanctions.
the amount over the three years of the Crimean businessmen have concluded export contracts with the help center?
Natalia Serova: At the time of my assuming the position of Director of the center, at the end of 2018, Crimea was on the 52nd place. the Center was founded in 2017, but has been active only a year and a half. So this is a big leap has been done over a short period of time. I and the staff of the center is not easy. Few people understand how much work. We are faced with a significant number of obstacles but find ways to overcome them and break through the Crimean business the road to exports wherever possible.
We opened the door to 15 countries. I have not called, – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Abkhazia, Turkey, Cyprus, Uzbekistan, Syria, Kazakhstan, Israel, Serbia, Iran.
With the help of the center, concluded 45 contracts totaling more than a billion rubles in industry, agriculture, tourism and educational services.
Tell stories of success.
Natalia Serova: To ensure the security of transactions we do not disclose information about all stages of the negotiations, and title companies. Crimea is in conditions which require caution and delicacy.
success Stories a lot. For example, last year, the Crimean manufacturer of cosmetics signed a contract with the largest distributor of Syria on the supply of products. Simferopol factory specializing in the production of pneumatic equipment, has signed export contracts with companies from Belarus and Central Asia.
