Georgy Muradov: " It's essential to have a solid grasp of your objectives and purpose”

Georgy Muradov: " It's essential to have a solid grasp of your objectives and purpose”

 

(translated from Russian)

 

As part of the information initiative "New Angels. Wings of Trials," an interview has been published featuring Georgy Muradov, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Crimea and the Permanent Representative of Crimea to the President of the Russian Federation. The discussion is led by Yevgenia Polatovskaya, the project’s author and the Chairperson of the Guild of Design Industry and Folk Arts at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

 

Georgy Lvovich, you have a huge experience in interacting with the international business community. You have worked in various positions in the USSR Foreign Ministry and embassies of the USSR abroad, were an Adviser-Envoy of the Russian Embassy in Bulgaria, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Cyprus, and headed the Department of International Relations of the City of Moscow. Since 2014, you have been the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Crimea to the President of the Russian Federation. How do you assess the current international environment for setting up and running a business in Crimea and Russia? What new opportunities are emerging?

I won’t delve into the specifics of daily operations but will highlight the key conclusions. Progress in the Crimean direction has faced significant challenges, largely due to intense pressure from what is often referred to as the "West" and the Kiev government, which has influenced our potential partners to refrain from acknowledging Crimea's status as part of Russia. This unified group of nations has imposed a comprehensive blockade and severe sanctions on the peninsula. Our attempts to lift these restrictions on Crimea necessitate ongoing active involvement from federal authorities. This applies to all newly integrated regions of the Russian Federation as well.Crimea has played a crucial role in facilitating engagement with various countries through the Organization for Economic Cooperation. Our primary focus has been collaboration with those who openly accept Crimea's status as Russian. We refrain from working with unfriendly nations, as our experiences have shown that such partnerships remain unfeasible at this time.

 

You are the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia. How does your diplomatic experience help in solving the problems facing the Crimean representation in Moscow?

Naturally, our experience and understanding of diplomatic affairs enable us to more effectively choose the appropriate approaches for fostering cooperation with specific countries and regions. I must be candid: we have established numerous connections with our partners in the diplomatic community, trade missions, and international companies operating in the capital. However, transforming these connections into tangible economic collaborations is as challenging as cultivating a fruitful tree in a desert environment. To nourish the ground and provide it with the vital moisture it needs, we require active support from certain ministries and agencies in Russia.

Your involvement with Crimea has spanned over a decade. How are your relations with Moscow evolving at this stage? What key areas are being prioritized for development?

From the outset, the Mayor and the Moscow government have been instrumental in supporting Crimea's growth. They have provided financial assistance for essential social infrastructure and offered technical and methodological guidance for various programs and initiatives. This collaborative effort is founded on a comprehensive agreement that was established between our republic and Moscow eight years ago. My engagement with the Moscow Department of International and Foreign Economic Relations, which I had the privilege to help establish, has fostered a wealth of connections. Our colleagues consistently invite us to partake in international economic and socio-political events, including initiatives aimed at supporting Russian compatriots living abroad.

Crimea is currently recognized as a free economic zone, which has drawn considerable interest from entrepreneurs and public figures alike. How straightforward do you think it is to establish a business on the peninsula and achieve success?

The Russian Government's establishment of a comprehensive free economic zone (FEZ) across the Crimean peninsula represents a wise and forward-thinking initiative. This zone supports hundreds of Russian businesses, along with a handful of foreign enterprises. The FEZ framework allows for various business activities to be conducted under favorable conditions, often with tax exemptions. Within this zone, several industrial parks have been developed, and the Feodosia site is currently being enhanced. This development paves the way for creating optimal conditions for the swift establishment and operation of diverse new businesses, which are essential for the region.

While starting a business in Crimea comes with its own set of unique challenges and considerations, approaching it with a solid strategy can make the process manageable and successful.

Firstly, it’s essential to recognize that Crimea offers distinct resources and appealing business opportunities, particularly in tourism, agriculture, and various industrial sectors. There is significant potential for growth, and many business owners discover lucrative ventures in this region. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the challenges that exist. These challenges may involve legal and financial factors, such as securing loans, navigating the tax system, and understanding business regulations. Therefore, thorough research into local laws and business conditions is advisable.

Additionally, competition should be a key consideration. Certain industries may have intense rivalry, making it vital to conduct comprehensive market analysis to identify your target consumers and craft unique value propositions. Equally important is building strong connections with local authorities and the community. Engaging in local initiatives and collaborating with fellow entrepreneurs and community organizations can significantly contribute to your business’s success.

You can often observe the ever-changing landscape of business: new brands emerge, some entrepreneurs navigate challenges and thrive, while others struggle to keep up. What measures do you believe the government could take to assist entrepreneurs aiming to establish businesses in Crimea?

Launching specific business initiatives requires significant collaboration at both state and regional levels. I believe that the groundwork for such efforts has been laid. However, as each enterprise progresses, it may face various challenges that typically need to be resolved at the local level. We see it as our responsibility to effectively guide business leaders on their journey toward achieving their objectives.

In Moscow, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry plays a vital role in engaging with the business community. What aspects would you like to enhance to foster a more productive dialogue between the business sectors of Moscow and Crimea?

We maintain a strong partnership with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry, particularly on shared interests. We consistently emphasize the strategic significance of Crimea as Russia's southern maritime gateway, providing the nearest connection for establishing logistics networks with countries in the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and even Latin America. Naturally, it’s not feasible for us to independently supply the goods required by our population and businesses within Russia. Therefore, we collaborate with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Industry on logistics and product lines that cater to the interests of both Moscow and the central regions of Russia, where Moscow serves as a pivotal hub for international trade.

Nowadays, many companies are increasingly focusing on folk crafts and traditional values. A thriving business not only drives economic progress but also plays a crucial role in fostering cultural and educational growth. In your view, what steps can be taken to enhance the humanitarian and cultural dimensions of the missions of companies operating in Russia?

To enhance the humanitarian and cultural dimensions of a company's mission within Russian business, several strategic approaches can be employed. Firstly, businesses can forge partnerships with local artisans and craftsmen, particularly those from Crimea, to actively promote and sustain traditional crafts. This initiative not only aids in the preservation of cultural heritage but also opens up new avenues for economic development in the region.

Secondly, implementing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs focused on educational and cultural advancement is essential. These initiatives could include providing grants to educational institutions or engaging in cultural projects, festivals, and exhibitions, thereby enriching the cultural literacy of the community.

A third avenue involves launching cultural initiatives that celebrate Russian art, culture, and the regional languages of Crimea. Such events can foster team cohesion while simultaneously sparking a deeper interest among employees in their cultural roots.

Finally, fostering open communication with customers and partners by sharing narratives about the company's commitment to cultural initiatives can significantly enhance its image. This transparency not only builds goodwill in the community but also attracts customers who prioritize social responsibility.

In summary, integrating humanitarian and cultural elements into business practices not only strengthens ties with society but also cultivates competitive advantages rooted in values and traditions.

 

In one of his addresses, Vladimir Putin, the President of the Russian Federation, emphasized that to thrive in any endeavor, a genuine passion for your work is essential. For young entrepreneurs embarking on their journey, there are several key elements to consider that can pave the way for their success.

Firstly, alongside a love for your business, it’s crucial to have a well-defined vision and purpose. Take the time to articulate what you aim to achieve and how your venture can positively impact society. This clarity will serve as a source of motivation and help you maintain focus during challenging periods.

Secondly, embrace a mindset of continuous learning and growth. Successful entrepreneurs are those who avidly seek out new insights and skills. Make it a habit to read books relevant to your industry, participate in workshops, and engage with seasoned professionals. This commitment to learning will enable you to adapt to market shifts and uncover new opportunities.

Another vital piece of advice is to actively listen to your customers and partners. By grasping their needs and feedback, you can refine your products or services and foster strong, trust-based relationships with your clientele. Additionally, building a robust network is essential. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, as these relationships can unlock new possibilities and provide valuable resources.

Lastly, prepare yourself for setbacks, as they are an unavoidable part of the entrepreneurial experience. Use failures as learning moments; analyze what went wrong and apply those insights moving forward. Resilience and determination are often the cornerstones of success. By following these guiding principles, young entrepreneurs can not only achieve their business goals but also find fulfillment in their pursuits.

 

Source: https://mostpp.ru/guilds_news/postpred-kryma-pri-prezidente-rf-georgiy-muradov-vazhno-imet-chetkoe-ponimanie-svoey-tseli-i-missii/

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