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| Local
employees make a large and growing contribution to Mitsubishi
Corporation operations around the world. A good example
is Oleg Torbin, at the company's Moscow office, who sent
us this report on his office's activities. |
I've
been at Mitsubishi Corporation's Moscow Office since March,
1999. After a year in administration, I moved to consumer
goods and food products, where I continue to work. We import
Kirin beer from a U.K. brewery that produces it under license.
And we import printing plates from Mitsubishi Chemical in
Japan. Our business also includes importing Toyo tires and
lots of other items from Japan and other nations.
Trade is a two-way street, of course, and we
are expanding our business in exports, too. I am especially
proud of the success that we have achieved in promoting
exports of titanium products. Our local producer long turned
out more titanium than all the other producers in the world
combined.
The light and rugged durability of titanium
alloys makes them ideal for high-tech applications in aerospace
engineering and also for down-to-earth applications in frying
pans, shovels and countless other items. Business in titanium
products was completely new to Mitsubishi Corporation. So
we in Moscow were excited to have the opportunity to take
the company into a lucrative new market.
Language skills are essential for all parties
in international trade, and I have been studying Japanese
for 14 years. After graduating from Moscow State University
of International Relations, I studied for a year at Kyoto
University. So I have felt right at home in a Japanese-owned
company.
Russia is reintegrating rapidly into the international
community. That means a lot of opportunities here for companies
of all nationalities. To take advantage of those opportunities,
companies need to demonstrate a long-term commitment to
the Russian market. Business people should develop good
personal relationships with their counterparties here. But
then again, I guess that goes for business everywhere in
the world. |
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Oleg (far right) and colleagues enjoy sightseeing
on a visit to Japan. At an automotive parts exhibition,
he and colleagues pose before a product display. |
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