TPT May 2007

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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

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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

DATE Monday, 28 May – Thursday, 31 May, 2007 VENUE Krasnaya Presnya Fairgrounds, Moscow, Russia

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No longer must the Russian government bite its political lip, as Russia’s financial might and natural energy resources have reasserted its influence

SHOW HOURS Daily: 10am-6pm

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ORGANISER CONTACT Messe Düsseldorf GmbH – Germany

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 5 th 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.

Phone : +49 211 45 60 01 Fax : +49 211 45 60 7740

Email : info@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.messe-duesseldorf.de Messe Düsseldorf Moscow – Russia Phone : + 7 495 255 2736 Fax : + 7 495 205 7207 Email : shapkinae@messedi.ru Website : www.messe-duesseldorf.ru INTERNET RESOURCES www.metallurgy-tube-russia.com www.waytorussia.com www.moscow-city.ru/?lang_char_id=en www.menu.ru www.tripadvisor.com

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