Today in Russian Business – Sept 12, 2011

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has promised $2.2 billion to state-owned Uralvagonzavod, which produces railcars and armoured vehicles.  Media reports are claiming that up to a third of consumer items, including clothes, perfume, cigarettes, household chemicals and food, are counterfeit.  Reports suggest that Britain is hoping to sign £215 million worth of deals during Prime Minister David Cameron’s visit to Russia.  Greenpeace has awarded Prime Minister Vladimir Putin with the title ‘Lake Baikal’s Enemy’ due to his decree last year allowing polluting activities by a pulp and paper mill controlled by Oleg Deripaska’s LPK Continental Management to continue.  Does a ‘petro-economy’ like Russia really still belong in the BRICs?