St. Petersburgh
This investor friendly city and former capital in Russia is a major business center. It is the sixth largest city in Europe by population. Founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter, with intentions on providing this country with maritime trading center that rivaled Amsterdam, it also has a thriving auto plant industry. And the amazing architecture here is evident of the success this city has had for many years. Russians are known to make deals and do business over lunch and even dinner. Business was usually done over large consumptions of vodka but the drinking here has calmed down a lot. Because of the northern climate the winters are dark and the summer days are long, it isn’t unusual for client to be one hour late. Being 10-15 minutes late isn’t even considered being late so be prepared to wait. Russia has made so many advances bin the business culture since the Soviet Union fall. Specifically St. Petersburgh, this city has been through a lot and though good accountants and lawyers and a number of great serves are available it’s an expensive place. Though this city had a reputation of being the capital of crime in the early 1990’s, it’s crime rate has gone dramatically down and now even though you can walk anywhere at anytime the only thing that might happen would be that occasional pick pocket. The atmosphere here now is very pleasant and has improved over the years and the government has helped to make St. Petersburgh a pleasure to do business with. Because of its amazing historic architecture and its wealth of museums St. Petersburgh is referred to by locals as a “Museum under the open sky” or a “city museum”. Here you will find the world’s largest and oldest museum, the State Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great. Included here is the former home of the Russian Tsars, and the Winter Palace and five buildings on the palace embankment.