Rapid responses
The Russian way
[Re: Russian business stereotypes need to be consigned to the distant past, yesterday]
For hundreds of years, Russia was part of Europe and the wider international community. Communism was a short diversion and, since 1991, the country’s integration has become more and more obvious. On the one hand, this means the West must better understand Russia’s own specific cultural peculiarities. On the other, Russian businesses must more actively integrate themselves into international markets. Oleg Deripaska’s article is a step forward – especially his willingness to deal with some challenging perceptions. But, as a native Russian speaker in London, it is too early to claim victory over stereotypes.
Dr David Herzog
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Green industry
[Re: Green energy subsidies are failing to deliver cheap low carbon power, Thursday]
It’s all very well having well-meaning green energy targets but, if they involve front-loading the cost onto consumers, we have a problem. The general tenor of European energy policy has been to discourage carbon emissions by making them more expensive. They’re therefore offshored to countries which are not covered by the same restrictions – thereby destroying the manufacturing base of European economies. The US, on the other hand, has managed to lower its carbon emissions by making energy cheaper, largely through shale gas. The country is now undergoing a manufacturing renaissance.
Martin Cooper
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TOP TWEETS
Too much choice in the energy market? Let’s also cut the number of books in bookstores and beers in pubs to help bewildered people.
@MarkJLittlewood
A budget with a 75 per cent levy on income over €1m (£814m) has been ratified by France. What will happen to its businesses?
@dylsharpe
London is the most visited city on earth – 16.9m people this year. It’s also the most populous city in Europe.
@MayorofLondon
2013 will be a make or break year for Greece’s future as a member of the Eurozone.
@sunkyujacklee