Eastern Europe and the CIS

Roman Shpek, an expert on economic matters in Ukraine, comments on the economical climate surrounding its aim to become a member of the EU and form part of the G20

After a series of ups and downs, the republic’s economic and political outlook is positive

Two decades ago, the Ukrainian nation emphatically declared itself an independent state from the former Soviet Union. On August 24, 2011, leaders from around the world, including Barack Obama, Dmitry Medvedev, Nicolas Sarkozy and Hu Jintao, among many others, sent President Viktor Yanukovych Independence Day greetings in a show of international support for the anniversary.

While government reforms help boost the financial sector, surviving private firms such as Sparta Investment Group maintain high levels of quality from the pre-crisis era

Despite the global recession, PrivatBank was able to continue making profits in the Ukrainian banking sector. Alexander Dubilet, CEO of PrivatBank, discusses how this bank with 100% Ukrainian capital has participated in the world financial market and proven to be the ‘laboratory’ of banking sector innovations in Europe

With more than 150 production sites worldwide, KNAUF has set it sights eastwards to Ukraine, one of the most dynamic markets in the region

Regionally, Kazakhstan holds several firsts in various aspects. Regionally, Kazakhstan holds several firsts in various aspects. It is the largest former Soviet republic in size; it is the first to assume the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE); and it is home to the most sophisticated financial market in Central Asia and the entire post-Soviet region.

There can be no doubt that Kazakhstan has carved out its place in the region both economically and politically

Upper Reach meets with Midhat Shagiakhmetov, Economy Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, who says: “Tatarstan is open and ready to work in any direction with any investor, with any country, if there is an interest.”

Since its establishment in 2011, the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency (TIDA), under the direction of Linar Yakupov, has been a roaring success. In 2012, its first full year in existence, it was instrumental in attracting FDI to Tatarstan, an autonomous republic within the Russian Federation which saw gross regional product (GRP) swell to $40bn in 2011, a phenomenal 150% increase since 2005

Globus Vision meets with Ilgvars Kļava, Ambassador of Latvia to Germany, to discuss how his country tactics exited the global financial crisis, the key sectors driving economic growth, new trade markets and Latvia’s aim to be more efficient and productive

Der Beitritt zur Welthandelsorganisation öffnet dem ehemaligen kommunistischen Staat neue Türen, aber ist auch eine Herausforderung

Oil and gas a key stimulus in country´s growth

Ukraine finds itself in a special position where the future of the country will be determined in the coming months

Major economic, political and social ties bind the two countries

While enjoying growing assets, a diversified portfolio and high return on public funds, ITT Group is also confident the agricultural sector is set to boom

Ukraine has produced some of the world's finest minds thanks to its universities

The President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov speaks to Worldfolio about the backbone of the economy of this Russian region, as well as investments in the high technology sector. In order for the government to reach its ambitious goal – gross regional product to hit RUB 2 trillion by 2016 – Tatarstan is going to need foreign investment, and the president assures that his government has created the ideal conditions for foreign businesses.

A new plant in Vinnytsia will convert agricultural waste into biomass fuel pellets that will provide energy for local state-run enterprises and households and create jobs

Energy diversification will give Ukraine the options it needs as it sets its sights on fully satisying its domestic energy requirements

Ukraine's historical scientific prominence feeds its future potential

Ukrtelecom is one of the top Internet providers in Ukraine and leads the communications market, covering around 71% of the local telephone market and 83% of the long distance and international telephone market

Following the unification of Avangard and Ukrlandfarming, Ukraine can play a major role in alleviating the global food crisis

Land market reform increases focus on Urkaine's agro-potential

Ukraine is one of the world’s major ‘breadbaskets’, harvesting and exporting enormous quantities of grain. In late May, the government dropped the export quotas it had put into place in fall 2010 to ensure domestic food security after a poor harvest.

While the government is making plans to raise agricultural productivity and attract investment, private sector players – like Petro Poroshenko – are forging ahead with successful business pursuits