What are the positive and negative changes that have influenced Canadian businesses here?
Nathan Hunt: Since the economic collapse in 1998, Canadian businessmen have become more realistic towards Russia than they were at the beginning, when it was sort of euphoric and some irrational decisions were made. There have been success stories involving Canadian investments in the Russian economy and some failures as well. Now that Canadian businessmen have a better idea of the risks involved in investing in Russia, investments generally go slowly and come after a period of developed trade. Companies prefer to have some trade and economic history in the country before they get involved with large investments. RJ: Could you tell a bit about your success stories? NH: One of Canada’s greatest early successes was McDonald’s of Canada which owns all McDonald’s investment in Russia, even though it is often mentioned in connection with American business. The Aerostar Hotel, one of the leading four-star hotels in Moscow, is an example of a joint venture which had a commercial dispute but s
