SEARCH FOR PARTNERS

The Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS) is the U.S. Government's clearinghouse for trade and investment information on the Newly

Independent States of the former Soviet Union.

BISNIS publishes SEARCH FOR PARTNERS to help

U.S. companies find investment opportunities in the expanding markets of the former Soviet Union.

SEARCH FOR PARTNERS is also distributed via biweekly e-mail broadcast. A limited selection of these leads

are published in this monthly newsletter. Previous e-mail

broadcasts are available through the BISNIS home page at

www.bisnis.doc.gov. To receive the biweekly report, e-mail

BISNIS at bisnis@ita.doc.gov or call (202) 482-4655.

These opportunities are provided solely as an informational service and do not represent an endorsement by the

U.S. Department of Commerce. Verification of these leads is

the responsibility of the reader.

Index to Leads by Industry Page

Aviation 4

Bakery 4,6

Beauty Services 3

Beverages 3, 4

Construction 2,5

Ceramics 6

Electrical Equipment 5

Food Processing 1,2,3

Machinery 7

Metals 1

Oil and Gas 3

Pharmaceuticals 5

Railroad Equipment 6

Restaurant 7

Rubber Production 1

Sports Club and Hotel 1

Tourism 7

Water Purification 6

BISNIS

AUGUST 1999

Published by the Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States (BISNIS)

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

GEORGIA

Industry: Sports Club, Hotel

Company: Tennis Club Dinamo Ltd.

Tennis Club Dinamo Ltd. was established in 1935 and privatized in 1994. The company employs 35 people. Its charter

capital totals US$345,500. The company is located on 21,100

sq. m. of land, of which 7,200 sq. m. is for open-air tennis courts.

The indoor tennis facilities occupy 1,500 sq. m. of land. The

company's administrative offices are located in a two-floor building, which include lounges, a cloakroom, showers, and a bar.

In addition, it owns a summer cafe-bar. The main activity of the

company is the development and promotion of professional

tennis. It also promotes amateur tennis. The company's revenue from its training services account for 60 percent of its

total earnings, and the revenue from court leases account for

25 percent. Tennis Club Dinamo's sales for 1997 totaled

US$41,000. It has hosted the Davis Cup and other prestigious

tournaments.

The company has developed a business plan that includes

the construction of a hotel with a recreation center, the modernization of its existing courts, and construction of water sports

facilities. To implement this project, the company seeks a U.S.

investor/business partner. It offers profit participation to prospective partners.

Contact: Ramaz Andriadze

Chairman of the Supervisory Board

2, Sanapiro Street

Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel: +995-32-935213

Fax: +995-32-933759

(Send Fax Attn to: BISNIS Representative)

Source: BISNIS Representative in Georgia

uuuuu

Industry: Rubber Production, Metals, Food Processing

Company: Dina Ltd.

Dina Ltd. is a private enterprise founded by two people in

1992 in Kutaisi, Georgia. It began production in 1995. The

company occupies 0.45 hectares of land and 1,200 sq. m. of

production space. The enterprise has four shops: a raw rubber

producing department; a rubber article producing department;

a die producing, metal mechanical elaborating, and welding

department; and a laboratory. Dina’s production is based on its

own technology and Soviet equipment renovated by technical

specialists working in the enterprise. All equipment is in excel-
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

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lent working condition. Dina employees 22 people, among them

four scientists systematically working on technological improvements. The company’s main customers are the Georgian Railway Department, the Tbilisi Subway Department, and the Port

of Poti. It prepares all of the rubber items necessary for these

organizations. The Railway and Subway Department and the

Port of Poti used to import their rubber items from Russia. They

have all become permanent customers of Dina.

Dina also produces aluminum step coverings for subway

escalators. The company has established contacts with the

Italian firm Plast-Italy and is producing rubber articles for these

partners. The company’s scientists have also designed new

types of wind-powered generators and have experience in producing several types of food processing equipment. The cost

of the company’s products are competitive due to the low cost

of labor. The company’s management claims it can produce

any kind of rubber article and food processing equipment. Dina’s

orders increased from US$80,000 in 1996 to US$120,000 in 1997

and US$180,000 in 1998. So far this year, the company has orders for US$350,000 worth of products. Dina imports its raw

material from Russia. It seeks a U.S. partner that will assist the

company in the distribution of its products and for future mutual cooperation.

Contact: Roman Todua, Owner

Tamaz Mikadze, Business Consultant

86a Avtomshenebeli Street

Kutaisi, 384000, Georgia

Tel: +995-99-57 34 22 (mobile)

Tel/Fax: +995-331- 7 66 41

Source: BISNIS Representative in Georgia

KAZAKHSTAN

Industry: Construction

Company: Ai-Su Concern

The Ai-Su Concern, a private construction company, was

established in 1994. Ai-Su and its branch companies specialize

in industrial and civil construction; drilling of water wells; soil

and water laboratory analyzing; whole sale and retail of construction materials, refinery products, food products, and consumer goods; woodwork and metalwork; welding; and auto

repairs. Ai-Su Concern participated in the construction of a

tractor plant, an aluminum plant, a chemical plant, and a refinery (Pavlodar - an industrial center in northern Kazakhstan);

construction of a water channel; construction works at a metallurgical plant; and a coal mine (Karaganda - an industrial

center in central Kazakhstan). Ai-Su, with its head office (AiSu Basis) in Astana, currently employs more than 2,000 people.

The concern's branch companies are located in Astana (AiSu Astana, Ai-Su Polimer, Ai-Su Monolit), Pavlodar (Ai-Su

Proyect, Ai-Su Agash, Ai-Su Maksat, Ai-Su Torg, Ai-Su Moda,

Ai-Su Aul), and Almaty (Ai-Su Orient). The firm’s annual turnover totals US$10 million. Among its business partners are

companies from Germany, Spain, China, Greece, Russia, and

Kyrgyzstan. Ai-Su and its foreign business partners are subject to tax and customs fees holidays according to a presidential decree on Astana’s special economic zone. The management of Ai-Su has extensive business experience. Mr. Tulekin,

general director of Ai-Su Astana, successfully participated in a

recent Standards in Construction session of the Special American Business Internship Training (SABIT Program). Middle

managers of the company participated in professional training

with producers of construction materials and equipment in

Germany and the Netherlands.

Ai-Su seeks a U.S. joint venture partner/investor to use

new technology, and to establish new production in

Kazakhstan in the field of construction. A business proposal

in English is available upon request. The company can conduct business in English.

Contact: Konakbay Sapenov, President

30A Ugolnaya Street

Astana, Kazakhstan

Tel: +7-3172-33-19-22

Tel/Fax: +7-3172-28-06-38

E-mail: ai-su@usa.net

or U.S. Embassy Commercial Service:

531 Seyfullin Prospect, 3rd Floor

Almaty, 480091, Kazakhstan

Tel: +7-3272-58-79-20

Fax: +7-3272-58-79-22

E-mail: OAlmaty@cs.doc.gov

Source: BISNIS Representative in Kazakhstan

uuuuu

Industry: Food Processing

Company: Pchelka Farm

Pchelka Farm, established in 1993, specializes in bee-keeping, plant-growing (medicinal herbs and wheat), and animal

breeding (cows, horses, and hogs). The farm is located approximately 150 km from Astana — the new capital of

Kazakhstan. The total area of the farm is 1,403 hectares. Since

1993, the farm has reinvested its revenues in agricultural machinery, livestock, and the construction of a warehouse, garage, and barn. Pchelka has four full-time workers and up to ten

employees for seasonal work. According to the farm’s representative, its products are distributed through various markets

in the Akmola Oblast through a network of trade channels and

are popular due to reasonable quality and pricing. In 1994 and

1995, the farm received two short-term (six month) loans from

Agrobank. The loans and 65-percent annual interest were paid

off on schedule. In 1998, Pchelka borrowed from Center Credit

Bank and has already paid the interest on the loan. Currently,

the farm has no debts. Pchelka is a board member of KazAgro

— an association of Kazakhstan farmers, which participate in

World Bank agribusiness projects. Pchelka plans to expand

the range of its bee-keeping products to include propolis, beeswax, and pollen. From seeds imported from Russia, the farm

plans to produce from eight to ten types of medicinal herbs in

addition to 35 types naturally produced by the farm’s land.

Among its other business plans are milk and meat processing

lines.

Pchelka seeks a U.S. investor/joint venture partner to pro-
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

3

duce and process agribusiness products for the Kazakhstani

market. The farm seeks a US$200,000 loan with a 12-percent

annual interest rate for seven years. The farm offers its property and a mortgage guaranteed by KazAgro. A detailed business plan in Russian is available upon request. The company

cannot conduct business in English.

Contact: Nina Parfenova, Owner

Boris Kosumov, Head of KazAgro

166 Pushkina Street

Astana, Kazakhstan

Tel/Fax: +7-3172-75-38-54

or U.S. Embassy Commercial Service

531 Seyfullin Prospect, 3rd Floor

Almaty, 480091, Kazakhstan

Tel: +7-3272-58-79-20

Fax: +7-3272-58-79-22

E-mail: OAlmaty@cs.doc.gov

Source: BISNIS Representative Kazakhstan

KYRGYZSTAN

Industry: Oil and Gas Processing

Company: Key Industry Engineering Ltd.

The private company Key Industry Engineering (KIE) Ltd.,

was reestablished in 1997. The company specializes in chemical engineering, control automation, and industrial construction. The company employs 250 people. KIE utilizes several

unique technologies invented by the Novosibirsk Research

Institute. It has completed several projects (under the program

of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development)

for international industrial and consulting firms, such as Chem

Systems, and Deloitte and Touche. The company has constructed two small oil refinery plants within the last three years

(with a total capacity of 1,000 tons of gasoline per day). KIE

owns a gas refining enterprise Vostok and shares of the state

joint-stock company Kyrgasmunaizat (oil and gas).

Currently, the company is looking for a U.S. partner to construct a small A-95 processing plant that will convert natural

gas into liquid car fuel. Project costs are estimated at US$5.8

million. A future partner would provide partial financing. Future production costs are estimated at US$200-250 per ton, while

the current wholesale price for the product is US$450-500 per

ton. A business plan is available upon request.

Contact: Gennady Chernov, Director General

Yury Rakhubin, Development Director

134 Akhunbayev Street

Bishkek, 720020, Kyrgyzstan

Tel: +996-312-530110, 430233

Fax: +996-312-233780, 433066, 545660

E-mail: key@iepii.bishkek.su or vostok@infotel.kg

Source: BISNIS Representative in Kyrgyzstan

uuuuu

Industry: Beauty Services

Company: Ay-Suluu

Ay-Suluu was established in 1994 as a private company. It

specializes in hairdressing, cosmetology services, and beauty

care products. Ay-Suluu has 35 employees and owns 150 sq.

m. of office, retail, and other commercial space. Presently, the

company’s annual sales total US$12,200.

The company seeks a U.S. partner to establish a joint venture to provide training for beauticians and hairdressers and/or

distribute U.S.-made hair products and cosmetics. The AySuluu offers commercial space, specialists, and assistance in

obtaining certificates and other permits. A future business

partner would supply modern hairdressing equipment, cosmetics, and technology.

Contact: Zoya Mambetaliyeva, Director

47, Ulitsa Usenbayeva

Bishkek, 720021, Kyrgyzstan

Tel: +996-312-283791, 283981, 410774

Fax: +996-312-282702

E-mail: office@tsfund.cango.net.kg

or Commercial Section, U.S. Embassy-Bishkek

171, Prospect Mira

Bishkek, 720016, Kyrgyzstan

Tel: +996-312-551241

Fax: +996-312-551264

E-mail: mukambaevaibx@state.gov

Source: BISNIS Representative in Kyrgyzstan

ALTAY REGION, RUSSIA

Industry: Beverages

Company: Barnaul Brewery

Barnaul Brewery was founded in 1978 and privatized in 1993.

The company produces more than 15 brands of beer (in bottles

and casks) and more than 35 brands of soft drinks. Its products were awarded medals at Russian and international trade

shows. The brewery has ten retail outlets and an established

network of distributors. Its production volume totals 1,200

decaliters daily. The company plans to expand its production

line.

Barnaul Brewery seeks a U.S. investor or a joint venture

partner to produce high-quality beer and soft drinks. A potential partner would provide partial financing (up to US$2.8 million) and/or contribute a modern bottling line.

Contact: Konstantin Veprov, Manager

35 Traktovaya Street

Barnaul, 656022, Russia

Tel: +7-3852-446716

Fax: +7-3852-446716

Source: BISNIS Representative in Novosibirsk

AMURSKIY REGION, RUSSIA

Industry: Food Processing

Company: Filibusters Co., Ltd.

Filibusters Co., Ltd., was established in 1994 in

Blagoveschensk, capital of the Amur Region and the agricul-
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

 4

tural center of the Russian Far East. Currently, the company is

owned by four individual investors and the insurance company AmurDusk. The company specializes in processing agricultural products, including buckwheat, soy bean deodorized

flour, soybean grain for poultry fodder, and mixed concentrated

feeds. The company’s soybean deodorized flour has been recognized as being among Russia’s 100 best products. Major

Russian confectioneries like Moscow-based Rot Front and

Babayevskaya purchase the company’s soybean flour. Despite

the depreciation of the ruble, Filibuster’s sales totaled US$1

million in 1998. The company currently employs 70 people.

The company seeks to expand its production of high-quality nutritionally complete feeds demanded by the reviving local poultry, pig, and cattle raising industries. The company

plans to generate annual sales in excess of US$14 million in

2002 and gain a 10 percent share of the local market. It seeks a

foreign partner to establish modern production of nutritionally

complete feeds. Financial projections in English are available

upon request.

Contact: Vasiliy Pleshkov, General Director

Zapadniy Promuzel

Blagoveschensk, 675027

Amurskiy Region, Russia

Tel: +7-4162-352978

Fax: +7-4162-352081

E-mail: aipi@amur.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Khabarovsk

KHABAROVSK, RUSSIA

Industry: Bakery

Company: Mikton Ltd.

Mikton Ltd., was founded in 1997 by three entrepreneurs.

The company’s director, Vladimir Ivasyev, owns the controlling block of shares and the know-how for the production of

original grain bread. Since February 1998, the company has

been producing Russkiy grain bread in Khabarovsk. This bread

is licensed by the Russian State Agency for Metrology and

Standards and has received high assessments from the

agency’s experts. Grain bread is very inexpensive to make since

86 percent of its ingredients is grain, while flour accounts for

only 14 percent. The production cycle is short and demand is

high; thus, the capital tied up in inventory is limited. Currently,

the company bakes 1.5 tons of bread a day. If production

reaches 10 - 15 tons daily, the company will be able to realize a

profit margin exceeding 50 percent. The grain bread is increasingly popular and affordable for the average consumer.

Since bread is a staple of the Russian diet, the demand for

bread remained stable after the financial crisis. The company is

the only grain bread producer in the Russian Far East with a 10

percent share of the local bread market.

Mikton seeks a joint venture partner to expand and diversify production. Furthermore, the company is interested in

developing a chain of grain bread bakeries throughout Eastern

Russia and the St. Petersburg Region. Mikton’s management

is highly motivated and experienced in bakery operations. The

company can conduct business in English. The company’s

financial statements have been audited in accordance with

Russian accounting standards. The company is developing a

business plan.

Contact: Vladimir Ivasyev, Director

7 Mukhina Street

Khabarovsk, 680000, Russia

Tel/Fax: +7-4212-396033

E-mail: bisnis@vasandr.khv.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Khabarovsk

KRASNODAR, RUSSIA

Industry: Beverages

Company: Palmira-Yug

The private company Palmira-Yug was established in February 1996. Currently, the company employs 99 people and

specializes in the production of beverages. The company owns

its own production facilities, which are equipped with modern

production lines. The company produces approximately 10

million liters annually. It was recognized at a number of national

and international exhibitions. The company has developed the

technology to produce a new kind of drinking water enriched

with oxygen. This water was awarded the gold medal at the

Moscow International Exhibition. The company patented this

product and obtained the licenses necessary to begin production. The company seeks a joint venture partner to produce

oxygen-enriched water.

Note: Vladimir Shcherbak, the director, is an alumnus of the

SABIT Program.

Contact: Maria Novichikhina, Public Relations

P.O. Box 3856

Krasnodar-29, 350029, Russia

Tel.: +7-8612-556996

E-mail: n_maria@usa.net

Source: BISNIS Representative in Nizhny Novgorod

MOSCOW, RUSSIA

Industry: Aviation

Company: Chistoye Nebo (Clear Sky) Public Fund

The Chistoye Nebo Public Fund was founded in August

1998 to facilitate the employment of retiring military pilots and

aviation workers. The fund conducts its activities in accordance with government program to support retired soldiers.

JSC Chistoye Nebo, a subsidiary of the Fund, was granted 3

hectares of land for 20 years in Krasnoznamensk, 40 kilometers

west of Moscow, where the company plans to start its center.

The project will include construction of a helicopter landing

ground and technical facilities such as hangars, parking lots,

and assembly and maintenance shops. Furthermore, the project

will include the establishment of a network of 20 such centers

for small aviation in Central Russia by 2008. The fund plans to

set up a private aviation industry by using military facilities
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

5

and scientific and engineering potential. It is negotiating with

the Ministry of Defense to define the allowed air space for

small aviation flights. The testing and certification procedures

will be made by pilots of the Gromov Testing Institute, one of

the founders of the fund. Development of small aviation is on

the Ministry of Defense’s agenda, as well as on the agendas of

local administrations, businesses, security firms, and environmental agencies.

The fund is looking for an American company to participate

in the project. The first stage will include purchasing 30-50

American-made small, two-person helicopters for (US$50,000-

70,000 each), establishing an aviation center in

Krasnoznamensk, maintenance, and staff training. The training can be provided by BISTRO, a TACIS-sponsored training

program. During the later stages of the project, Chistoye Nebo

plans to expand its business by purchasing kit forms of planes

and helicopters and assembling them in the center. The project

includes assembly, sale, and servicing for 140-200 small helicopters. The fund has developed a business plan for the pilot

project. According to the business plan, first-year sales will

reach US$1.5-3.5 million, with the sales for the next five years

estimated at US$40.5-82.5 million.

Contact: Vladimir Ryabov, Director

38, Vavilova Street

Moscow, 117333, Russia

or 8/5 Merzlyakovsky per., GSP-2

Moscow, 121814, Russia

Tel: +7-095-291-1183

Fax: +7-095-291-1183

E-mail: bisnis@dol.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Moscow

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA

Industry: Electrical Equipment

Company: Dzerzhinsk Science and Technology Center

The Dzerzhinsk Science and Technology Center was established in Dzerzhinsk in 1988 (Dzerzhinsk is located 20 km west

of Nizhny Novgorod). It employs over 15 workers. The company specializes in designing electrolyzers and hydrogen generators. The Dzerzhinsk Science and Technology Center leases

190 sq. m. and owns 100 sq. m. of design, production, and

warehouse facilities. The company holds three patents for

hydrogen electrolyzers in Russia. Its annual revenues total

approximately US$100,000.

The Dzerzhinsk Science and Technology Center is interested in establishing joint production of electrolyzing/electrochemical equipment with U.S. companies. The Russian company will provide its work force, production space, and research and development for this project. A business plan in

Russian is available upon request.

Contact: Sergey Mikhailovich Simonov, Director

Dzerzhinsk, ul. Lenina 85 Office 27

Nizhny Novgorod Region, 606010, Russia

Tel: +7-8313-33-82-57, 33-06-81

Fax: +7-8313-33-06-81

Source: BISNIS Representative in Nizhny Novgorod

NOVOSIBIRSK, RUSSIA

Industry: Construction Materials

Company: Profile-S Ltd.

Profile-S Ltd. was established in 1995. The company specializes in producing wooden and plastic windows, doors, and

other construction materials. The company owns 50,000 sq. m.

of production space with warehousing facilities, a two-floor

office building, and equipment. The company employs 230

people, and its annual sales of construction materials total US$5

million. The company has international business experience

with a Swiss company (JCT) and two German firms (Klieberit

and Berlocher).

Profile-S seeks a joint venture with a U.S. company to produce doors, windows, and construction materials. A potential

partner would contribute modern equipment. The company

will contribute its customer base, marketing in the Siberian region, and advertising.

Contact: Oleg Pavlovich Kuznetsov, Director

7, Plotinnaya Street

Novosibirsk, 630058, Russia

Tel: +7-3832-341530

Fax: +7-3832-323621

E-mail: profils@online.nsk.su

Source: BISNIS Representative in Novosibirsk

SAMARA, RUSSIA

Industry: Pharmaceuticals

Company: Nadezhda-77

Nadezhda-77, a small private company that employs 12

people, is primarily engaged in wholesale and distribution. The

company was established in 1992 and is located in the Samara

region. It buys chemicals, basically ion exchange resins to

supply pharmaceutical companies, which in turn provide drugs

and medicine to Nadezhda-77. The company then sells the

pharmaceuticals through its distribution network.

The company claims its total annual turnover is as much as

US$1.5 million. The first quarter of 1999 ended up with

US$200,000 in sales. Most of the company’s clients are regional producers (75 percent), local companies accounts for 21

percent, and Federal companies for 4 percent. The main products the company sells include di-ammonium phosphate,

tripoliphosphate, anionite A-100, A-104, talcum, corn powder,

tubes for special needles, or Luer needles, and Lewatit CNP-80.

The company buys resins from German Bayer AG and English Pur Lite companies. The company is looking for American partners to purchase ion exchange resins, as well as other

similar materials, and would like to establish long-term cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, or companies producing chemical processing equipment. Nadezhda-77 is planning

to produce Luer needles. It realizes the importance and the

great demand for the product, especially in power and water
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

 6

supply industries, and is interested in having a strategic partner. It is ready to purchase the necessary equipment. According to its business-plan, the project includes investments of

US$300,000 from the company’s own funds, with a pay-back

period of three to six months. The U.S. company would contribute new technology, management and marketing experience,

and equipment and initial inventory.

Nadezhda-77 welcomes all business proposals and projects.

It would be delighted to communicate in English and provide

potential partners with details of the project and the company’s

information.

Contact: Vladimir Nikolaevich Tchalyh, Director

Oleg Anatolyevich Anaykin, Deputy Director

32/59, Molodogvardeyskaya Street 11

Samara, 443099, Russia

Tel:+7-8462-32 61 23

Fax: +7-8462-32 61 24

E-mail: katyarii@samaramail.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Moscow.

SVERDLOVSK OBLAST, RUSSIA

Industry: Bakery/Ceramics

Company: Region Bakery

Region Bakery, a private bakery, was established in July

1998. The company produces bread and is locally competitive

thanks to its modern technology and equipment.

Region is located about 100 kilometers from Yekaterinburg

in the Kamyshlov district, of the Sverdlovsk Oblast. The company owns 500 sq. m. of office space. Sales since its establishment total about US$100,000. Region is a member of the

Yekaterinburg Chamber for Commodity Producers, which has

assisted the company in developing business plans for different projects. The company seeks a U.S. partner to invest money

or technical assistance to develop a deposit of dolomite clay

(kaolin) which is located near the bakery. There are only two

known deposits of this type in Europe. The clay can be used to

produce high-quality ceramics. The director of Region Bakery

hopes to set up a ceramics factory. He is in the process of

obtaining a loan to buy a building for manufacturing and to

pay for a land lease.

Contact: Vassiliy Nikolayev, Director General

7, Ul. Komsomolskaya

Voskhod Settlement

Kamyshlovskiy District

Sverdlovsk Oblast, 623543, Russia

Tel: +7-34375-35-1-71

Fax: +7-34375-35-2-61

Source: BISNIS Representative in Yekaterinburg

TVER, RUSSIA

Industry: Railroad Equipment

Company: Rhythm

The open joint-stock company Rhythm was founded in 1991

on the premises of a train car building factory. Rhythm produces break fittings for railway transport and has become the

leading manufacturer in Russia in this sector. It constantly

renovates its products and invests in research. The products

are certified and patented. Analogues producers in the NIS

also purchase the fittings parts produced by Rhythm. State

agencies (56 percent) and private businesses (44 percent) are

the customers, of which 15 percent of the private businesses

are from the NIS. The Russian company also had trade experience with the Israeli company Double Contact Group.

Rhythm employs 200 people. It owns 3,354 sq. m. of production facilities (sq. m.) and 1,446 sq. m. of warehouse and

subsidiary facilities. Annual sales of Rhythm amount to US$1.2

million.

Rhythm is interested in joint development of technology to

produce break fittings for railway transport and renovation of

its equipment. The estimated project cost is US$1 million. The

Russian company will offer 25 percent of its stock to guarantee

the investment.

Contact: Konstantin Georgievich Vrassky, General Director

Pavel Ivanovich Chernetsov, Deputy Director for

Marketing, Contact for U.S. companies

45 B, Sankt-Peterburgskoe Shosse

Tver, 170003, Russia

Tel: +7-0822-55-91-91; 55-91-16

Fax: +7-0822-55-02-13

Source: BISNIS Representative Moscow

VORONEZH, RUSSIA

Industry: Water Purification

Company: Vodmashoborudovanie

Vodmashoborudovanie is an open joint-stock company that

in 1944-1993 was owned by the Spetskomunvodstroy, the Central Management Agency for Communications. In 1993,

Vodmashoborudovanie was privatized and is now an affiliate

enterprise of Spetskomunvodstroy. The shares are owned by

its workers and management (413 total). No stock belongs to

the local and federal governments.

Vodmashoborudovanie manufactures equipment for industrial purification of tap and sewage water (60 percent), firepreventive equipment (35 percent), and foundry iron (5 percent). For manufacturing its fire-preventive equipment, the

company is granted tax privileges (profits tax reduction and

value-added tax exemption). Its annual sales amount to US$2.6

million, of which in 1998, 62 percent came from the sale of 170,000

water purifiers. The state, mainly municipal services, purchases

70 percent of its production, private companies purchase 20

percent, and retail stores purchase 5 percent. The enterprise

owns 18,7000 sq. m. of production facilities and 30,000 sq. m. of

warehouses and additional facilities.

Vodmashoborudovanie is the leading Russian manufacturer

of equipment for industrial purification of tap and sewage water. It has strong production potential (40-60 percent possible

increase compared to the 1999 level), modern production technologies, and vast international trade experience. During 1970-
BISNIS SEARCH FOR PARTNERS - August 1999

7

1989, the Russian company supplied its equipment to 37 countries (mainly to where the USSR had its military bases) and to

the Soviet Republics. Currently, the Russian factory exports

its production to Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, and the Baltic

States.

Vodmashoborudovanie seeks US$250,000 for a project to

manufacture and install systems to purify water used in carwashing stations. A business plan is available upon request.

A preliminary market study has been conducted.

Vodmashoborudovanie could obtain guarantees from the regional government and use its products to back up the potential equipment.

Contact: Valeriy Georgievich Emelyanenko

General Director

Hikolay Platonovich Safonov, Deputy Director,

Contact for U.S. companies

Prospect Truda, III

Voronezh, 394646, Russia

Tel: +7-0732-16-20-77

Fax: +7-0732-16-19-33

Source: BISNIS Representative Moscow

VLADIVOSTOK REGION, RUSSIA

Industry: Restaurant

Company: Lotsia

Lotsia is a retailer and wholesaler specializing in home and

office furniture and construction materials in the Amur Region.

The company was established in 1992 and has 40 employees.

Its annual sales total US$250,000-1 million. The company imports goods from Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, China, and South

Korea. It owns a store (600 sq. m.) in downtown

Blagoveschensk and rents an additional 1,600 sq. m. of retailing space and warehouses.

The company seeks a U.S. company to open a fast-food

cafe or restaurant in Blagoveschensk. The U.S. partner would

provide equipment and training. The Russian company will

contribute facilities, marketing, and labor.

Contact: Andrei Gaidukov, General Director

112 Krasnoarmeiskaya Street

Blagoveschensk, 675000, Russia

Tel: +7-4162-440842, 449537

Fax: +7-4162-448455

E-mail: lotsya@tsl.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Vladivostok

YAROSLAVL, RUSSIA

Industry: Machinery

Company: The Yaroslavl Chamber of Commerce and

Industry

The Yaroslavl Chamber of Commerce and Industries presents the following business opportunity for an enterprise.

The enterprise is a leading road compactor producer in Russia.

Its products are intended for compacting asphalt concrete and

various types of grounds used in construction and repair works

on roads, airfields, and dams. Presently, the company produces 17 types of automotive road compactors. Its products

come in three categories: heavy (12-16 tons), medium (8-10 tons),

and light (5-7 tons). The enterprise has all the necessary technical documentation, production facilites, qualified staff, and

technology for mass production. It has established a procurement and distribution network.

The company seeks a U.S. business partner for further development and expansion of its local production. The estimated project cost is US$9 million, and the expected implementation period is 3.5 years. A detailed business plan is available

upon request.

Contact: Vadim V. Vilgelmi

Sovetskaya pl. 1/19

Yaroslavl, 150000 , Russia

Tel: +7-0852-328053, 328071

Fax: +7-0852-328885

E-mail: tppdhl@adm.yar.ru

Source: BISNIS Representative in Moscow

YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK, RUSSIA

Industry: Tourism

Company: Sakhalinkurortresursy

Sakhalinkurortresursy is a small company with significant

experience in recreation activities. The company supplies the

local recreation centers and hospitals with natural mineral water and therapeutic mud. Mud is taken from a local lake and the

mineral water from a local well (owned by the company). The

company owns the land used for its operations. Fifty-one percent of the company shares is owned by the employees of the

company, and 49 percent belongs to the Federation of Independent Trade Unions. The company employs 10 people and

was privatized in 1992.

The company seeks a long-term partner to establish a recreation center using the existing infrastructure. All licenses and

certificates are available. The company owns a lake that can be

used for scallop cultivation. A U.S. partner is invited to participate in this project through the contribution of equipment and

technology.

Note: This company was recommended to the BISNIS representative by the Sakhalin Regional Small Business Department.

Contact: Liudmila Aleksandrovna Maslova

General Director

12 Krasnaya Street

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 693000, Russia

Tel/Fax: +7-4242- 726365

E-mail: via ABC - bisnisYS@fraec.org

Source: BISNIS Representative in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Note: If you experience difficulty contacting this firm, you may

send your correspondence to the BISNIS Representative at: Email: bisnisYS@fraec.org, or Satellite Fax: +7-509-951540 (accessible through SPRINT).
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NOTICE

BISNIS is pleased to gather and disseminate to U.S. companies promising Search for Partners leads from the NIS.

Companies that wish to pursue these leads should directly

contact the NIS company via the contact information listed.

BISNIS makes every effort to obtain valid contact information, but making contact with companies in many regions

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all NIS companies have fax machines that operate 24 hours

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Note: Although BISNIS representatives in the NIS occasionally provide last-resort assistance in contacting local

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negotiations, or conduct due diligence on local companies.

For additional commercial information about industries,

regions, and companies in the NIS, contact BISNIS in Washington, D.C.

BISNIS

The Business Information Service for the Newly Independent States

BISNIS is an information center for U.S. companies doing business

in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union. Operated by the Market Access and Compliance unit of the International Trade Administration, BISNIS disseminates information in

print form, electronically, and through consultations by its staff of

trade specialists. For more information, please contact:

202-482-4655 (phone)

202-482-2293 (fax)

bisnis@ita.doc.gov (e-mail)

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Director: Anne Grey

Deputy Director: Trevor Gunn

Search for Partners Managing Editor: Joan Morgan