The balance of the world has been shaken: the delicate network of economic, political, cultural, scientific and social connections with Russia has been torn apart. Communication channels that have been tried and tested for decades are interrupted, financial transactions are disrupted, global supply chains are at risk and energy and raw material prices are rising unabated. Neither Western states nor their institutions or companies can escape the far-reaching consequences. The economy will (have to) reorganize itself. This means that global economic relations as a whole are changing.
But what is the current situation in Russia? How are the events affecting the economy in Russia? And what consequences must companies expect when working with or in Russia? What alternative courses of action open up in the face of this new reality?
With our digital event series we would like to show you new perspectives: Our expert Christian Altmann, former managing director of AHK Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia and manager of Lufthansa AG at locations in Europe and Asia, reports from his adopted home of St. Petersburg.
In addition to a very current classification of events by our speakers, we enable the participants in our WB discussion group to have an open exchange with the experts and with each other.
WB Talk Round: Our digital event series
August 31, 2022 / 14 p.m.-15 p.m
Current situation in Russia: An assessment from the inside out
What is currently happening in Russia and what challenges are entrepreneurs struggling with?
Using selected figures, data and facts, Christian Altmann will give us an economic policy classification of the current situation in Russia. While the conditions for foreign companies were already difficult when the sanctions were introduced in 2014, they have become even more difficult since February 24th of this year. We want to shed some light on the matter and provide an overview of the current status.
The economy in the EU and Russia had to react quickly to the challenges of the last few months. We look at the new framework conditions for companies that work in Russia or with Russia and discuss what options for action are opening up.
Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to talk about your own experiences in business in Russia and exchange ideas with other entrepreneurs.
The conversation will be moderated by Werner Heesen.
During his management career at Lufthansa AG, Werner Heesen has worked in management positions in India since the 1980s, including as Director/SVP Commercial ModiLuft or Director South Asia. He has been working as a senior consultant for crisis management and human resources at WB since 2012.
September 29, 2022 / 14 p.m.-15 p.m
Maintain your location or leave the market or just keep your head down?
Different corporate strategies in Russia using case studies
In view of the new circumstances, German entrepreneurs must ask themselves how they should approach the Russian market, its suppliers or sources of raw materials in the future. Until a few years ago, almost 7000 German companies were still active in Russia. Over the course of the year the number has already halved and is continuing to fall.
How can an orderly withdrawal and termination of activities succeed? Can a branch or permanent establishment in Russia still be sold? Are there alternative solutions and what dangers and risks need to be taken into account? What experiences have companies had in the last few months and which insights can be transferred?
Christian Altmann is at home in the economic world of German companies in Russia. Using concrete examples, he will explain to us possible Russia strategies that he has witnessed in the past few weeks. In view of the new framework conditions, well-known companies have withdrawn from the market while others have ducked their heads or continued to operate their business on the back burner. We report on the concrete experiences of local entrepreneurs.
You will then have the opportunity to report on your experiences and discover what options other entrepreneurs are considering. We're looking forward to the conversation.
The exchange is moderated by Werner Heesen.
October 20, 2022 / 14 p.m.-15 p.m
Looking into the future: The winners of global development
We look to the future together: Which markets are becoming more important in the face of the crisis?
The world will change with and through the crisis. And with the world, your own economic environment. We are already noticing changes within supply chains, changing markets and purchasing behavior, but also geopolitical shifts. The EU is turning away from Russia, seeking closer solidarity with the USA and rethinking its relationship with China. Is this an opportunity for India to establish itself as a new future market?
How can German companies make sustainable and targeted use of these developments and how should entrepreneurs prepare for this?
With our risk experts from WB Risk Prevention Systems Christian Altmann dares to look into the future and shows which countries are already emerging as 'winners' of the crisis.
We invite you to engage in a creative exchange with our experts and the other participants and to discuss global developments and their effects.
The conversation will be moderated by Werner Heesen.
Registration to the digital event series:
Our events are free of charge and take place digitally. After registering, you will receive the link by email shortly before the respective events. If you have any questions in advance, please contact the WB team: info@https://www.wb-indien.de or by phone +49 234 90418360
We look forward to your participation!
