Telecoms Mission to Russia - September 2007

WHY RUSSIA? Market penetration in recent years has outstripped all predictions; at the end of 2006, subscription to mobile phone services reached 104 per cent across the country and 152 per cent in Moscow. The boom in consumer spending, in particular, has bolstered mobile phone carriers, leading to an extremely high penetration level that now ranks Russia behind only the United States and China in terms of subscribers. Despite burgeoning oil and gas profits, the country’s IT and telecoms sector is now being seen as a pivotal area with potential for competitive development. As such, it is undergoing rapid reform, with the longawaited consolidation in the state–owned operating utilities sector now well-advanced. However, a large demand for main line services remains unsatisfactory (the government’s goal is to add 50 million land lines by 2010), hence Russian companies are keen to develop new technologies. BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION The remote location, its size and national specifics make Russia difficult to do business from abroad. In order to penetrate this market it is necessary to visit the country and attend face-to-face meetings. Past Missions have secured meetings with senior players from the top three operators – MTS, Vimpelcom and Megafon. As an individual company, these would be extremely difficult to arrange. A full programme will be organised on your behalf, including site visits to the leading Russian operators (TBC), sector and market briefings, presentations to a selected audience of telecoms companies in each city and unrivalled networking opportunities. 23-28 September 2007 RUSSIA’S TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKET NOW RANKS AS THE LARGEST IN EUROPE. WITH A POPULATION OF 143 MILLION AND LATE ACCESSION INTO THE ‘ICT ERA’, THE RUSSIAN TELECOMS MARKET IS GROWING AT A RATE OF 30 PER CENT ANNUALLY. RESERVE YOUR PLACE ON OUR TELECOMS MISSION TO RUSSIA: MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURG UK TRADE & INVESTMENT AND RUSSO-BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE INVITE UK COMPANIES TO EXPLORE COMMUNICATIONS SECTOR OPPORTUNITIES IN RUSSIA. undertake pre-mission work, arrange additional meetings, and personally invite potential buyers/partners to networking events. The mission will be led by the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce (RBCC), and translators will be on hand during the seminars and networking events. OPPORTUNITIES FOR UK COMPANIES Russia lags behind in the adoption of 3G technologies. The existing system would need to be overhauled, but 3G nevertheless remains a force likely to drive the development of Russian telecoms over the coming years. Additionally, the three leading domestic telecom companies have all confirmed their intent to implement the new cellular standard. As Russia reaches market saturation, operators are turning to data services and tailored pricing packages to drive growth. The market slowed in 2005, but accelerated again in 2006 as carriers introduced messaging and content services. The high growth rate of Russia’s telecoms market has resulted in a high demand for imported, turnkey products and solutions. The RF Law on Communications (enacted 01/01/2004) has made the regulatory framework more transparent and the sector remains one of the most potentially rewarding for UK investors and manufacturers. The country’s anticipated WTO entry is bound to encourage the sector’s modernisation and expansion beyond Russia, as well as encourage greater foreign competition. The major operators work not only in Russia, but also within the CIS markets. Their operations have additionally expanded rapidly since 2005 to include Turkey, China, Egypt and the Middle East. Delegates will also receive first-hand information on the latest trends and developments in the sector. AS THE TELECOMS MARKET IS GROWING AT A SPECTACULAR RATE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW TECHNOLOGIES ARE WIDE, BOTH FOR HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE. THIS IS A KEY OPPORTUNITY FOR COMPANIES TO BROADEN THEIR CONTACT BASE. A FULL LIST OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES WILL BE PROVIDED PRIOR TO TRAVEL TO ENABLE YOU TO: 23 September 2007 LONDON-MOSCOW 09.00 Depart UK 15:45 Arrive Moscow 17:30 Check in to hotel/free time 19:00 Delegates assemble in hotel 19:30 Informal group dinner at a restaurant 24 September 2007 MOSCOW 09:30 Delegates assemble in hotel 10.00 Site visit to operator 12.30 Lunch 15.00 Telecoms Seminar and networking reception at the British Embassy, Moscow 21:30 Delegates return to hotel – free time 25 September 2007 MOSCOW 09.00 Delegates assemble in hotel 10.00 Site visit 12.00 Site visit 13.30 Lunch 15.30 Site visit 17.30 Free time 26 September 2007 MOSCOW - ST PETERSBURG 09.30 Delegates assemble in hotel 10.15 Site visit 12.30 Lunch 14.00 Travel to airport for flight to St Petersburg 18.30 Land in St Petersburg, Pulkovo Airport 20.00 Check into hotel, dinner in St Petersburg 27 September 2007 ST PETERSBURG 09.30 Delegates assemble in hotel 10.00 Site visit 12.30 Lunch 14.30 Telecoms seminar and networking reception 19.00 Free time 28 September 2007 ST PETERSBURG – UK 09:30 Delegates assemble in hotel 10:15 Site visit/roundtable meeting 13.30 Delegates travel to St Petersburg, Pulkovo 17.10 Delegates depart St Petersburg 17.40 Delegates arrive UK PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME FOR FURTHER INFORMATION Please contact Hannah Lilley, RBCC, on +44 (0)20 7403 1706, or by emailing commercialmanageruk@rbcc.co.uk, or Rasik Tailor, UK Trade & Investment by emailing rasik.tailor@uktradeinvest.gov.uk TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION The RBCC can arrange flights (international and internal), transfers, visas and accommodation (Moscow & St Petersburg). Flights will be with a British/ European carrier (probably British Airways) and accommodation in 4-star hotels. The estimated cost will be £1300.00-£1400.00 per person. If you are interested in taking up this offer, please liaise with the RBCC. However, companies are free to make their own travel, accommodation and visa arrangements if they prefer. CLOSING DATE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS IS MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2007. APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS DATE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. COST OF PARTICIPATION The cost of participation on this mission is £200 (VAT inclusive) per company, invoiced following acceptance on the mission. RESERVING YOUR PLACE Spaces are strictly limited, with each company being represented by a maximum of only two missioners. To apply, please complete the attached form and return by email to: commercialmanageruk@rbcc.co.uk