Arnold Schwarzenegger Addresses AmCham

The American Chamber of Commerce in Russia held a briefing this morning with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Governor of California, who is currently leading a California trade mission to help Silicon Valley business leaders and venture capitalists make connections in Russia. Governor Schwarzenegger shared his thoughts on commercial engagement between the U.S. and Russia, touching on his personal experience in business as well as some of the policy work he has overseen as Governor of the most populous state in the U.S. AmCham President & CEO Andrew Somers moderated the event, which was attended by over 350 AmCham members at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow.

Upcoming Chamber Events

AmCham Briefing on Special Economic Zones

At an AmCham briefing on September 14, Dmitry Levchenkov (Director of the Department for Special Economic Zones and Project Financing of RF Ministry of the Economic Development) and Igor Kosov (General Director of the Joint-stock Company "Special Economic Zones" of the RF Ministry of Economic Development) gave a presentation on the Russian Federation's special economic zones. In their presentation, they gave an overview of the four types of special economic zones that currently exist in Russia: industrial and production zones; technology and innovation zones; tourist and recreational zones; and port zones. They also discussed the economic benefits offered by the zones, such as reduced administrative barriers, state guarantees provided to companies operating within the zones, and special tax treatment for such companies. Click here to download their presentation.

The Pharmaceutical Industry in Russia: Recent Trends

White & Case has released a review of recent trends in the pharmaceutical industry in Russia: click here to download.

AmCham Meets with FMS Head

On Friday, July 30, AmCham’s President and CEO, Andrew Somers, met with the Head of the Russian Federation’s Foreign Migration Service (FMS), Konstantin Romadanovsky, to agree on further steps in their continuing cooperation on the new law simplifying work-permit applications procedures for highly-skilled workers.

Mr. Romadanovsky was also presented with AmCham’s annual “Friend of the Chamber” award for his significant contribution to simplifying work visa/permit procedures for foreigners.

2010 Q2 Economy and Investment Climate Report

We are pleased to announce the publication of the Economy and Investment Climate Report (April - June 2010), which can be read by clicking here. This report is provided on a quarterly basis exclusively as an informational resource for AmCham’s membership.

AmCham at Business Summit with Presidents Medvedev and Obama

During RF President Dmitry Medvedev’s recent trip to the United States, AmCham participated in a business summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington and attended by Presidents Medvedev and Barack Obama.

Special Update On Customs Union

White & Case has published a special update on the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan: English | Russian

Legislative Update On Unlawful Use Of Inside Information

Federal law № 224-FZ dated 27 July 2010 "On Prevention of the Illegitimate Use of Inside Information and Market Manipulation and on Amendments to Certain Laws of the Russian Federation" (hereinafter, the "Law") was published on 30 July 2010 and comes into effect 180 days after publication, except for a few provisions including those regulating liability.

Update on Changes to Russian Tax Legislation

There have been recent changes in Russian tax legislation regarding profit tax and individual income tax. For an update, please click here for English and Russian.

Russian Customs Clearance Procedures

With the creation of the Customs Union coming into effect as of July 1, 2010, the Federal Customs Service (FMS) is updating the business community on the Russian Customs Code and customs clearance procedures in the Customs Union. The information can be downloaded here with additional information here. Please be advised that the FCS 24-hour hotline is +7 (495) 740-18-18.

U.S. Joint Strategic Plan On Intellectual Property Enforcement

Please click here to download the U.S. Joint Strategic Plan On Intellectual Property Enforcement.

Trilateral Customs Union

The RF Federal Customs Service (FCS) has asked AmCham to forward to member companies the attached information on the Trilateral Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan: 
 ● Customs Codex of the Customs Union;
 ● Information on the preparation of international legislative acts related to the introduction of the Customs Codex of the Customs Union;
 ● Report by the head of the FCS Analytical Department on issues related to the Customs Union to be tackled in 2010 by the RF customs authorities - Word format | PowerPoint format;
 ● Invitation to business to continue dialogue on the Customs Union.

New Immigration Regime For "Highly-Qualified Specialists"

The law introducing a new beneficial immigration regime for "highly-qualified specialists" was published today in Rossiskaya Gazeta. The law, which should come into force on July 1, 2010, is expected to have a positive impact on the logistics of doing business in Russia for both Russian and foreign organizations who need high-level talent and know-how, and improve the overall image of Russia as an investment destination. Ernst & Young has prepared a document outlining the main aspects of the new regime and how it will affect both employers and employees.

TIM services has prepared an update on the regime in Russian and English.

AmCham is pleased to inform members about this important development, which follows many years of Chamber advocacy on migration policy for foreign citizens, and close cooperation with the Russian Federal Migration Service (FMS) on a daily basis. On May 21, Oleg Artamonov, Head of the FMS' International & Public Affairs Directorate, briefed over 100 member company representatives on the new simplified migration regulations at the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel.

Andrew Somers on BBC Promoting Regional Investment

Please click to view a BBC Russia Business Profile featuring Andrew Somers, President & CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia.

FAQ On New Tri-lateral Customs Union

The RF Federal Customs Service has published a list of frequently-asked questions submitted by the business community in Russia regarding the new customs union between Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. The FAQ (in Russian only) covers topics such as the principle legislative differences between the customs union and the existing customs regime in Russia, the tax implications of the union, and benefits for exporters and importers operating within the three countries. Please click here to be re-directed to the Federal Customs Service website.

Federation Council Passes Amendments to Law on Foreign Labor

The Federation Council has passed amendments to the RF Law on foreign labor. Please click here to download the draft amendments, which were approved in the third reading. Supporting documentation can be downloaded from the State Duma website.

Ryazan Oblast Governor Briefs AmCham Members

AmCham held a regional briefing on April 1 with Oleg Kovalyov, Governor, Ryazan Oblast, who spoke on investment opportunities in Ryazan Oblast.

Moscow Business Summit

Click here to download AmCham's publication on the Moscow Business Summit.

U.S. President Barack Obama and RF President Dmitri Medvedev addressed the Moscow Business Summit at the historic Manezh exhibition hall on July 7, 2009. The Business Summit featured an unprecedented number of US and Russian global CEO participants in 3 panels aimed at making recommendations for governmental action to spur trade and investment.

One-Window for Russian visas & work permits | Premium Processing for U.S. visas

An improved one-window service for work permits & related documents is in place for AmCham member companies. This AmCham service is free of charge. Representatives of AmCham member companies should bring their documents to the AmCham office at Dolgorukovskaya 7, 14th floor (Ул. Долгоруковская 7, 14ый этаж). An authorized, dedicated AmCham member of staff collects submitted documents, transfers them to the Federal Migration Service offices, and transfers processed applications back to the AmCham office for collection by members.

In cooperation with the U.S. Embassy Consular Section AmCham has implemented a system to expedite the U.S. visa application process for AmCham members. Premium Processing allows AmCham member company employees to obtain a visa within five business days or less.

Front Page Archive

Looking for an article you saw on the front page of the AmCham website but can no longer find it? Check out the AmCham Front Page Archive.