Today in Russian Business – May 1, 2012

The Financial Times reports on how Russia’s privatization plans, drawn up by outgoing President Medvedev, are provoking faction clashes within the Kremlin.  The president has signed a bill ratifying an international treaty which protects workers from employers’ insolvency, making Russia the 20th country to do so.   Rusnano has invested nearly $40 million in NeoPhotonics Corp, which makes components used by telecom-network equipment companies, in a private placement.  Despite the checkered reputation of Russia’s business climate, London listed property company Raven Russia apparently plans to proceed with its Moscow development plans.  This article reports on the grand plans held by the president of Russian Railways, Vladimir Yakunin, to create a rail and tunnel link connecting Russia and the United States.