Today in Russian Business – Feb 11, 2010

Russia gained 28 new dollar billionaires last year, and the rich are getting richer.  The business community reportedly wants a new bill that would prevent executives from being arrested for most economic crimes (not including fraud) to ‘go farther‘.  Finnish company Lassila & Tikanoja are tapping the ‘untouched ground‘ of the environmental management services industry in Russia with recycling and waste-sorting plants.  Russia’s freeze on US poultry imports will almost certainly see an increase in prices as a new supply system for domestic production is put into place.  ‘Innovation‘ again – this article looks at factors holding Russia back, including education and a ‘fragmented‘ scientific community.  Sollers and Italy’s Fiat will invest €2.4 billion in a joint carmaking venture in a bid to create the ‘second largest player on the passenger car market in Russia‘.  Last year’s economic decline dealt Russian advertising expenditure a 26% blow.  Russia and Vietnam have signed a new fighter jet deal worth $1 billion.  The FT looks at the ‘radical transformation in the way stocks are being traded in Russia due to exchange modernisation and regulatory change‘.