NORWEGIAN COMPANIES EXPERIENCES IN RUSSIA

This article presents some findings from a survey of Norwegian firms' experiences in Russia. The survey indicates that Norwegian investors h ave somewhat different motives for investing in Russia compared to inv estors from other countries. Access to Russian natural resources is mo re important for Norwegian investors than for others. The survey indic ates that Russia has established a formal regime for foreign investmen ts which is in line with international law. The main problem is the pr actising of the legal system. The survey also discusses costs and bene fits of operating alone in Russia or together with Russian partners. O ne important problem for firms operating in Russia is the tax system w hich is complicated and complex. Norwegian firms have limited experien ces with organised crime in Russia, but far more experiences with corr uption. The article also presents findings indicating that there were no clear preferences among Norwegian firms as regards the result of th e presidential election in June and July 1996.