Earlier this year Vancouver, host city of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games handed the flag over to Sochi, the Russian city that has the honour of hosting the Games in four years time. However, as we all know, the next Olympics, the Summer Games, will be in London in 2012. Things are falling into place, with the mascot launch in May and the two year mark fast approaching.
This, of course, is a prime opportunity for the UK and Russia to work together, sharing resources, expertise and experience. Talks have been advancing and just last month, Sir Andrew Cahn, Chief Executive of U.K. Trade and Investment, visited Moscow and St. Petersburg and met with senior Russian officials who gave him assurances that U.K. expertise would be welcomed in Sochi with open arms.
With the clock ticking for both London and Sochi, officials are trying to translate this political goodwill into commercial cooperation. It has often been reported that some international companies have felt frustrated at their lack of progress with getting involved in Sochi, and it is a frustration that the Russo-British Chamber of Commerce shares. Outside contractors and consultants will only be “let in” when the main Russian players realize that they will have problems delivering on their promises. Or so they say.
But things are moving ahead, and for the best. In October, a panel session of the RBCC RussiaTALK investment forum will be devoted to the opportunities offered by the Olympics for Russia and the U.K. to build on their already successful business relationship. One thing is clear — whatever the issues faced by both cities as they gear themselves up for the greatest show on earth, if they can work together, they can both be winners.
