Dear Readers,
You have in your hands a new bi-monthly publication on the diverse UN development activities in Russia. The need for such information is apparent: a dozen UN agencies are now engaged in various programmes for the benefit of the country and the people. We hope that this bulletin will help the Russian government and non-government institutions, research and scientific centers, mass media, the international community and
many others to better understand our purpose, objectives and activities as well as utilise our experience in order to multiply efforts in the strive for a better living. I hope you will find this publication both instructive and interesting.
Philippe Elghouayel, UNDP Resident Representative in RF
The Russian UN Association is proud to help the UNDP Moscow Office make the current UN activities in Russia better known to officials and non-officials alike. Actually it has always been our main goal to increase Russian public awareness about the UN. But today this task is even more important. UN agencies bring to Russia more than just dollars, but a wealth of experience and expertise from all over the world to help us overcome the tremendous difficulties of this transformation period. |
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| 1 agree that news items within this bulletin will not only inform our
readers, but also teach them what concrete actions is necessary to make today a happier
tomorrow. 1 hope you will enjoy reading it. Prof. Anatoly Torkunov, Chairman, UN Association of Russia |
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UN Development Programme |
| Rostov Region becomes testing grounds for SMB development UNDP, UNCTAD and UNIDO, with the Rostov Region Administration (South Russia) in April 1998, have started a pilot programme to support the development of small and medium businesses (SMB). The programme is based on EMPRETEC principles developed by UNCTAD in other countries. Discussions were recently held with the Government of North Rhine Westfalia to integrate the lender's experience |
and know-how into the project's concepts and activities. UNDP has already spent $110,000 in a preparatory phase, which includes the selection of local managers and co-ordinators.The Regional Administration provides office space and communication facilities for the future liaison office in Rostov. It is estimated that about $1 million will be needed to finance the 3-year project, which will give an additional boost to the economy, create new employment opportunities, and improve social conditions in the region of 4,4 million. The experience of developing SMB in the area will be later shared with other parts of the country. |
