APPENDIX 22
Memorandum submitted by Invensys plc
1. LEVEL AND
EFFECTIVENESS OF
DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION
The British Embassy has always had a high profile
in Russia and, since 1991, has widened its scope of cover with
representations in St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. The British
diplomatic view is taken seriously and things British are held
in respect at all levels of Russian society. There is little doubt
of the key role played in this by the ambassador and his staff.
The opening of the new Embassy in a highly visual and prestigious
location will serve to enhance the image of the UK in Russia.
2. AWARENESS
OF COMMERCIAL
POTENTIAL AND
SUPPORT FOR
BRITISH BUSINESS
The Embassy has been supportive of British and
the present (outgoing) ambassador and his recent predecessors
have led a number of business delegations to various parts of
Russia and the former CIS. The representatives in Yekaterinburg
and St Petersburg are proactive in developing UK trade and the
Moscow Commercial section is especially helpful to both visiting
and resident businessmen alike.
3. CO -OPERATION
ON DRUGS, TERRORISM
AND INTERNATIONAL
CRIME
4. ARMS CONTROL
AND NON
PROLIFERATION
5. HUMAN RIGHTS,
ETC
6. FOREIGN POLICY
ASPECTS OF
VARIOUS RELATIONS
The above four sections are outside the scope
of our experience
7. THE BBC WORLD
SERVICE
This still plays an essential role in bringing
an unbiased view in news broadcasts and international, particularly
British culture, etc to the Russians. A very important feature
of foreign policy, as it counterbalances the often biased view
of the Russian media.
8. BRITISH COUNCIL
A highly regarded institution supporting cultural,
educational and other initiatives. Generally held in high regard
by Russians who come into contact with it, and visiting British
students and teachers.
In summary, the Embassy plays a very important
role in all the above aspects and, in general, does this extremely
well. It is a pity, therefore, that ordinary Russians applying
for visas to the UK sometimes come away from the Embassy disappointed
at the treatment they have received. The comment in Russia is
that interviews are unnecessarily intrusive and even offensive.
This could be a case of a need for staff training. Having said
that, applications for business visas are usually dealt with promptly.
The major issue in Russia today for companies
like APV is the lack of internal liquidity and international financing
of capital projects. If the FAC, in consort with the DTI, could
be seen to be a leader in funding solutions to these financing
problems, a range of interests would be served—British business
would benefit, there would be obvious political benefits and,
if the projects were chosen carefully, benefits to the Russian
economy and knock-on effects which would improve the general social
climate.
| 
