Doing Business in Russia. Котова К.П - 47 стр.

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of isolationism to Russia’s greater openness to the world and the growing
awareness of the integration expediency in the world market.
      These changes in opinion regarding foreign capital are patently shown by
answers to the question: “Do you think it is acceptable to draw foreign invest-
ment into Russian economy?” This question was put during all-Russia opinion
polls in mid-1992 and 1993.
      In 1992 there was a relative majority of those who were against partner-
ship with foreign capital while in 1993 there was a relative majority of those
who were in favor of it. However, one should not lose sight of the fact that al-
most one third of the Russian population was undecided due to a lack of experi-
ence and information.
      The change of attitudes results from the development of a pragmatic atti-
tude that regards the role of foreign capital as the success of some joint ventures
activities. Also, there is less hope that Russia will be able to overcome its crisis
in the foreseeable future by only relying on its resources.
      However, a certain role is being played by nationalism. According to the
results of the opinion poll held by the All-Russia Center of the Study of Public
Opinion in August 1992 in twelve Russian cities, 44 percent had a negative atti-
tude to large-scale aid to Russia from the International Monetary Fund, and only
36 percent approved of the idea. A similar manifestation of citizens’ attitudes
was registered in 1993. For instance, 59 percent of 1,320 respondents represent-
ing twelve regions of Russia (among them urban and rural residents) said that
Russia has become dependent on the West and they object to this.
      Attitudes to foreign ownership of enterprise
      As was already noted, 47 percent of the population favor the involvement
of foreign capital in Russian economy. But the support for this idea dwindles
when people are asked if they would welcome the participation of foreign capi-
tal in the enterprises where they work. Only 36 percent are in favor.