Today in Russian Business – March 21, 2012

Rusagro  and Oleg Deripaska’s Basic Element are interested in the privatisation of United Grain Co, and plan to ‘talk about details’ within a week.  The Governor of Tula is likely to be ranked among the top regional official earners, according to a quick survey of some income declarations.  Arkady Dvorkovich has outlined new details for funding the Skolkovo business center, and protecting Russia from corruption.  Procter & Gamble’s support of state-run NTV through advertising could lead to a Russian boycott of its products.  The FSB’s fireworks budget is looking to be around $110,000 this year.  VTB wants to keep some of the money it will spend on buying back shares.  Belarusian Potash Company, which is part-owned by Russia’s Ukralkali, has agreed to sell 500,000 tons of potash to China in the second quarter.  Norilsk Nickel’s shares have slumped to a three-week low over concerns that metals demand will be dragged down with currently low demand from China.  The BBC reports on the difficulties faced by the roughly one million Tajiks who come to Russia for work every year.