MOSCOW - The creation of a positive image is an important task for Russia at the present stage of its struggle for foreign investment, said Ernst & Young partner Alexander Ivlev. He was commenting on the results of the meeting of the Consultative Council for Foreign Investment on September 27.

Mr. Ivlev said the problem of improving Russia’s image abroad had been put on the agenda of the Council’s meeting as separate consultations and discussions within the framework of a working group, for the first time.

“Publications about Russia in the western mass media often do not reflect the real picture of what is happening in the country,” Mr. Ivlev said. “At least half of those media reports are biased, there are many inaccuracies and outdated information. But we cannot blame this solely on the press and newsmakers. Serious and well considered efforts needs to be made here,” he said. The members of the Council agreed that a systemic approach was needed to enhance the country’s image, Mr. Ivlev added.

The problem of administrative barriers hampering business development, was one of the key items on the agenda of the meeting, according to him. “This problem is particularly urgent for those investors who are running projects in Russian regions. Indeed, effective measures are needed to tear down administrative barriers there. The procedure of starting an investment project and opening businesses by investors should be simplified in terms of bureaucratic procedures and time costs,” Mr. Ivlev said.

He also pointed out that investors were pleased with the performance of the Council as they were able to discuss the above mentioned issues.