TPT May 2007

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64 May/June 2007
Tube Russia 2007: still going
strong on its fifth anniversary
I t was only nine years ago that Russia was a nation in more than US$40 billion of
international debt, with a new Russia having stuttered in its early stages. But now, in
2007, largely due to its massive oil and gas revenue, Russia has finally repaid this
debt and returned to a position of renewed economic vigour. In 2006, Russia’s GDP
grew by 6.6 per cent, while the Russian standard of living has also improved.
With this fiscal fruition has come the renewed confidence to stamp its mark on
international politics and business. No longer must the Russian government bite
its political lip, as its financial might and natural energy resources have reasserted
its influence at centre stage. This has also resulted in more power for Russia’s big
business – particularly commodity-based
industries such as mining, steel, and energy.
Next March marks the end of Mr Vladimir
Putin’s second term in office, with elections for
a successor due to take place. Favourites for
new president include Mr Sergei Ivanov, the
defence minister and deputy prime minister,
and Mr Dmitri Medvedev, Russia’s other first
deputy prime minister.
An outside bet is Mr Vladimir Yakunin, the head
of railways and a close friend of Mr Putin. But
whoever secures the job is likely to remain faithful to existing policy, with some even
predicting the return of Mr Putin as president in 2012 – a constitutionally viable option.
Celebrating its 5th anniversary this year, Tube Russia has gone from strength-to
strength over its short history, much like the Russian economy itself. Taking place from
28-31 May, Tube Russia will again be joined by regular partners Metallurgy-Litmash
and Aluminium/Non-Ferrous, together with odd-year partner wire Russia.
As shown by the article from Mr Alexander Deyneko of the Development Fund of the
Tube Industry of Russia (pages 60-62), the Russian tube and pipe network is very
tight-knit and currently in a buoyant state. Although it may be difficult for international
companies to gain a foothold in the Russian market, once efforts are successful they
can be highly lucrative.
The joint event will welcome over 500 confirmed international and Russian/CIS
exhibitors, meaning that the exhibition should be a fantastic networking opportunity
for all within the tube, pipe and metals industry. Over the coming pages, Tube & Pipe
Technology will preview a selection of the exhibitors and technology on display.
No longer must the
Russian government
bite its political lip,
as Russia’s financial
might and natural
energy resources
have reasserted
its influence
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DATE
Monday, 28 May –
Thursday, 31 May, 2007
VENUE
Krasnaya Presnya Fairgrounds,
Moscow, Russia
SHOW HOURS
Daily: 10am-6pm
ORGANISER CONTACT
Messe Düsseldorf GmbH – Germany
Phone: +49 211 45 60 01
Fax: +49 211 45 60 7740
Email:
Website:
Messe Düsseldorf Moscow – Russia
Phone: + 7 495 255 2736
Fax: + 7 495 205 7207
Email:
Website:
INTERNET RESOURCES
SHOW FACTS ❖ ❖