An indomitable city of spirit

Article Abstract:

The indomitable Russian spirit is very much in evidence in the city of St Petersburg. The city has witnessed much suffering, inflicted mostly by its own government, including the loss of 1.5 million lives due to starvation during the Great Patriotic War. St Petersburg residents generally fall under two classes: those belonging to the 20% who have access to hard currency, and those comprising the majority who are strapped for cash. It is the members of the latter class who seem to be perennially standing in line at shops and grocery stores to obtain basic goods, and who would have to pay a month's salary for a meal at a hard-currency St Petersburg restaurant. Given the hardship of life in St Petersburg, most residents try to find consolation in music, flowers, children and in one another. As one city dweller noted, couples do not get divorced in Russia because their collective experience compels the people to stick together.

Cover Story, Behavior, Popular culture, Russians, Saint Petersburg, Russia, St. Petersburg, Russia

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Jute City juggernaut making a concerted drive into Europe

Article Abstract:

The jute and flax trader Low and Bonar of the early 1900s has evolved to become a multinational manufacturer of plastics, packaging and specialist materials in the 1990s. Although Low and Bonar PLC is still based in Dundee, Scotland, known as Jute City, the bulk of its operations are outside of the country. In fact, Low and Bonar's Scottish operations only account for 8% of the company's turnover and 7% of its employees. The multinational firm intends to establish an even greater presence in the continental European market. It has already built a new rotational moulding factory in Hockenheim, Germany which has increased the company's capacity by 50%. Low and Bonar has also opted to narrow down its highly diversified interests and concentrate on just packaging, plastics and specialist materials.

Plastics Materials and Synthetics, Foreign operations, Plastics industry, Low and Bonar PLC

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Prague springs eternal

Article Abstract:

Czechoslovakia's move towards democracy is a chaotic and problem-laden affair. Nevertheless, with the Czech's economic pragmatism the country's economy may achieve stability within a reasonable period. Already, expatriated entrepreneurs are returning to resume business operations, the privatization of companies is underway, and attractive financial incentives are being offered to foreign investors. Other healthier European economies can play a significant role in Czecholovakia's economic recovery.

Analysis, Economic aspects, Economic development, International economic relations, Czechoslovakia

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