Finnish Exporters See Bright Future in Russia

The volume of Finnish exports to Russia is going to grow. According to the results of a poll carried out on behalf of the Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce by Taloustutkimus Oy, half of Finnish companies exporting their goods to Russia have increased deliveries over the last six months.

The majority of Finnish exporters were confident that the trend would continue over the next six months due to growing demand among Russian consumers, especially for consumer goods. Half of Finnish companies doing business in Russia also revealed that they had stepped up their activity recently.

The poll showed that the main factors making trade with Russia and business in Russia difficult for Finns are still complex customs procedures and customs legislation, the business culture of their Russian partners, changing, confused or incomplete legislation, and financial problems.

The Finnish-Russian Chamber of Commerce was looking at the prospects for trade with Russia for the second time. Around 700 people replied to the questions. The next poll will be conducted in six months' time. Russia is currently Finland's fifth most important trading partner.