Today in Russian Business – June 30, 2010

The Moscow Times takes an in-depth look at the battle raging between Rusal and Interros for control of Norlisk Nickel, ignited by the recent board members nominations.  The aluminum giant has said an exchange-traded fund for the metal will begin as early as next month.  Much wrangling is reported here over who is to replace Rosneft stalwart Sergei Bogdanchikov.  President Medvedev has revealed plans for state spending over the next three years which have seen him follow Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin’s lead in terms of asserting control of the budget deficit.  The President also revealed that the number of state officials should be cut by 20% in order to improve efficiency.  Russia’s central bank left its main interest rates unchanged today, concluding a 14-month easing cycle as the economic recovery gains pace and inflation slows.  Click here to consider why the idea of turning Moscow into a global financial hub is not an easy task.  Coors Light will herald Molson Coors Brewing’s return to Russia; the company apparently sees considerable market potential in the alcohol-fond nation.