How do you assess Rietumu Bankas prospects in Russia and other countries of the former USSR?
Mr. Kalinovsky: We are bullish about them. I think that in order to understand the prospects of foreign companies in your country, it is just enough to visit Moscow, St. Petersburg and other Russian developing regions from time to time; many things are clear without saying. We think that one of the main factors impeding growth of the Russian economy is the lack of long-term and fairly cheap credit and financial resources. From this point of view, the growth prospects of foreign banks ready to work here, including Rietumu Banka, are simply unlimited. Of course, competition will intensify, but nevertheless Russian clients and the economy will only benefit from this, as competition always helps customers. We believe we have something to offer the Russian market. We believe the Russian market is growing and developing, that it has enough space for everyone who has decided to work here professionally and continuously and that it is not the time for banks to elbow their way into the establis
