The president of Produkty Pitania Company, Mr. Stefano Vlahovic is the head of the Kaliningrad Region Foreign Investors Association
— 2005-06-16 —

On June 16, 2005 the Kaliningrad Chamber of Trade and Commerce hosted a presentation for the Kaliningrad Region Foreign Investors Association. It was initiated by entrepreneurs that heavily invest in the economy of Russia’s most western location. The association’s President and co-founder is the head of Produkty Pitania Company, Mr. Stefano Vlahovic.

The non-profit organization has 11 members, all of who are major foreign companies operating in Kaliningrad. The association cooperates with economic departments of General Consulates and representatives of foreign countries in Kaliningrad,  also with the region, and with their Russian colleagues from Kaliningrad Chamber of Trade and Commerce.

The major goals of  the association are to:

  • Build a favorable investment climate in the region;

  • Improve legislation to ensure better protection of investors’ rights;

  • Develop and expand crediting and banking systems;

  • Attract new technologies and investments in Kaliningrad region;

  • Support businessmen that intend to invest their effort and funds in economical development of the region;

  • Expand business and partner relations between Russian and foreign investors;

  • Organize joint seminars and meetings;

  • Exchange business experience;

  • Train young entrepreneurs and specialists;

  • Inform business community of business development opportunities existing in Kaliningrad and of investment priorities.

The association will participate in a strategic development plan for the region, while taking into account, its specific features and geography and by using international experience in implementing similar projects. Its activities should have a positive effect on the economical development of the region while generating  a positive image within the Kaliningrad region.

“We need to explain to investors in what way they can address possible problems,” says  Stefano Vlahovic. “We should explain that by having a little progress  only means that the progress is there. For our cause we are creating a website with all the relevant information. We are 11 and we are capable of solving a certain range of issues. The more of us there will give us more opportunities. We are hoping to set up specific infrastructure, an English-speaking school, and all other collateral indicators of developing investment climate in the region.