European companies in Russia warned on Tuesday they were being hurt by a Russian embargo on food imports as well as EU sanctions and risked being “sacrificed” in the standoff over Ukraine.
In comments before Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered a speech to the Association of European Businesses in Russia (AEB), the group’s chairman criticized the EU but also said Russia’s actions violated World Trade Organization rules.
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The remarks by Frenchman Philippe Pegorier underlined the growing problems for the more than 600 European companies in his group as sanctions bite, the economy stagnates, the rouble slides and competition from Asian firms grows.
“Minister, the European business community … is angry, angry that it is being sacrificed by both the European and Russian authorities, ” Pegorier said in introductory remarks to business chiefs in a Moscow hotel, with Lavrov at his side.
“The new sanctions hurt … and create uncertainty for investment in Russia, ” he said, urging European leaders to help do more to resolve the crisis in Ukraine. But he added: “The Russian regulations also hurt our companies and do not meet Russia’s commitments to the WTO.”
Moscow’s response to sanctions by banning some Western food imports and trying to replace sanctioned items with Russian goods, combined with its attempts to drum up new business with Asia, pose a threat to European businesses in Russia, he said.
The AEB has repeatedly criticized the sanctions, imposed over Russia’s annexation of Crimea and backing for separatists in eastern Ukraine, but has been less forthright in expressing concern over the impact of the Russian government’s policies.
TOUGH RESPONSE
Lavrov responded by dismissing all criticism of Russian policy over Ukraine and advising the businessmen to lobby their own governments if they want a policy change.
He fiercely criticised the EU, which has signed a free trade agreement with Kiev and backs the pro-Western leaders in Kiev who came to power after Viktor Yanukovich, a Moscow ally, was ousted as president in February following months of protests.
“By trying to force Ukraine to choose the European Union over Russia, Brussels, contrary to the democratic values it has declared, supported an anti-constitutional coup staged with the support of ultra-nationalist forces, ” Lavrov said.
After the speech, some business leaders made clear they were disappointed Lavrov had not shown more sympathy with their plight as some trim spending and staff and freeze investments to try to ensure they can survive the crisis.
“What I would have liked to have seen perhaps is some signs from Mr Lavrov and the Russian side … to take steps in this difficult situation to make the situation easier for both Russian businesses and European businesses, ” said Hans Wicks, head of the Confederation of Danish Industry.
Contrasting with the problems facing European firms in Russia, Moscow and Beijing signed a host of energy, trade and finance agreements on Monday during a visit by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.
Wicks said many companies were still doing good business in Russia and were staying put.
“What is happening now though on the negative side is that companies that were looking to invest in Russia and to come here, but had not started, they are more reluctant, they are putting things on hold until there is a more clear signal of which direction the political situation will take, ” he said.
