To Russia with love

Australian textile clothing and footwear manufacturers keen to expand their international sales are being urged to consider Russia as their next port of call.
According to figures from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Russia's economic growth rate is firing at almost seven per cent per annum and there is almost one million square metres of retail space under construction in the Moscow area alone.
A 25 per cent growth in retail sales in 2004, made Russia the largest retail market in the world behind the UK and US.
In an attempt to cash in on this surge, national body Austrade is conducting a series of seminars to help Australian TCF companies enter the market.
The seminars, being held in Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth from February 21 to 27, will show participants how to do business in Russia while also outlining what government grants are available to assist TCF exporters.