Head of Ubifrance hails modernization policy ahead of French-Russian business meetings

Ubifrance is the semi-governmental French agency in charge of fostering the international development of French companies abroad. In the framework of the Russia-France year, the agency is organizing a meeting between French small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and their Russian counterparts in Moscow on December 8 and 9 . 

Philippe Pégorier, the head of the Ubifrance Moscow office, told Modern Russia that he expects 80 to 90 French SMEs to attend the event, which aims to encourage investment in Russia: “The Russian market is huge, and it is full of opportunities –in the hydrocarbon sector of course, but also in retail, banking and insurance, industrial activities, railways, infrastructure in general, electricity networks…But also in the area of basic consumer goods.” Quickly dismissing a question on the possible adverse effects of the economic crisis on these opportunities, Pégorier says that French investments, as well as bilateral trade with Russia, have a bright future even beyond the Russia-France year, which will soon draw to a close: “We have brought 800 French firms to Russia this year - our objective for next year is relatively similar. Russia is a real priority for France, not only economically, but also politically, industrially, culturally.”

He is also upbeat on the government’s economic modernization agenda, which he calls “indispensable”, praising projects such as the Skolkovo innovation center and the Sochi Olympics: “These projects can potentially allow Russia to regain its scientific power status. It is very important – not only for Russia’s future generations, but also to attract foreign investments. And Russia has the means to undertake these projects!”

Pégorier says France can help Russia modernize, pointing specifically to bilateral partnerships in infrastructure projects, such as Alstom’s participation in Transmasholding and Vinci’s advising role in the construction of the Moscow–St. Petersburg motorway project. He also singled out energy efficiency, sewage and water treatment systems as areas worth exploring for French companies looking to develop in Russia, noting that “Much can be done in cooperation with municipalities.” Russia’s regional development policy is also a potential goldmine for foreign investors, Pégorier says, as long local authorities engage with them: “When the governor is competent and involved, foreign companies settle in the region.  You can see that in the Kaluga region, where three major French firms have set up production facilities – not mere representation offices – creating hundreds of jobs. It all depends on the governor and on his team.”

To French, and other foreign entrepreneurs eager to make the most of opportunities on the Russian market, Pégorier has three pieces of advice: “First, learning Russian; second, establishing close personal relations with your interlocutors; and third, just ‘being here’ – and not thinking that a first contact followed by email will suffice.”