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Article: Remember the past in considering whether to expand to Russia.(Emerging Risk Strategies)(Column)
- Article from:
- Business Insurance
- Article date:
- January 15, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Crain Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: John J. Hampton
In November 2006, the United States and Russia signed an 800-page trade agreement as a prelude to U.S. support of Russia's bid to join the World Trade Organization. Included in the concessions was an agreement to let foreign insurance companies operate in Russia through subsidiaries. This includes 100% foreign-owned property and casualty companies.
Only time will tell the real impact of the agreement. Western insurers need little help to recognize that Russia is a risky place for direct foreign investment. At the same time, Russia is a large emerging market. Let us examine past events, current opportunities and risks.
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