Interviewer: Today we invited Alla Filyushkina, Director of the Center for International Educational Programs at the Higher School of Management and Technology (Financial University). We’ll be discussing the unique program "Doing Business in Russia," which has recently gained significant traction among international entrepreneurs. Alla, thank you for joining us.
Alla Filyushkina: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to share more about what we do.
Interviewer: To start, could you tell us the core mission of the "Doing Business in Russia" program? Who is it designed for?
Alla Filyushkina: Our mission is to bridge the gap between international business ambition and the practical realities of the Russian market. The program is designed for foreign entrepreneurs, top managers, and representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) who are looking to enter or scale their operations in Russia. Whether they are from India, Vietnam, Africa, or the CIS countries, we provide them with a "roadmap" to navigate our business landscape.
Interviewer: What makes this program different from a standard business course?
Alla Filyushkina: The differentiator is its practical value. We don’t just teach theory, we provide direct access to the expertise of "regulators" and "practitioners." Our speakers include government officials, professionals from business related organizations and successful foreign businessmen who have already "made it" in Russia. The structure is also unique. It combines:
- a flexible online module with webinars and lectures on the financial and banking system of the Russian Federation, tax law, customs regulations, currency control, investment policy, personnel regulation and others;
- an immersive internship: Participants visit Moscow, Saint Petersburg, or the Stavropol region to see the infrastructure and explore potential of different regions for business purpose.
Interviewer: You mentioned specific topics like tax and customs. What are the most "in-demand" subjects for your students?
Alla Filyushkina: Definitely legal regulation and cross-border payments. In the current global climate, understanding how to handle logistics, customs procedures, and financial transactions is vital. We also focus heavily on intercultural communication. Doing business in Russia isn't just about numbers; it’s about building relationships and understanding the "Russian mindset" in negotiations.
Interviewer: The program recently hosted students from nine different countries. How was that experience?
Alla Filyushkina: It was incredibly rewarding. Seeing 78 business representatives from countries like India, Nigeria, Kongo, Zambia, Vietname and CIS countries collaborating in one virtual classroom was inspiring. They weren't just learning from us, they were networking with each other. We’ve received excellent feedback, especially regarding our "turnkey" business organization sessions, where we explained how to register and launch a company from scratch.
Interviewer: For an entrepreneur interested in the next intake, what is the main takeaway they can expect?
Alla Filyushkina: Confidence. By the end of the program, they won't just have a certificate from the Financial University, they will have a network of contacts and a clear, legally sound strategy for their Russian venture. We aim to be their long-term partner, not just a school.
Interviewer: Alla, thank you for these insights. It sounds like a vital bridge for international cooperation.
Alla Filyushkina: Thank you. We're looking forward to welcoming new partners to the Financial University!
To know more about the program and see the Syllabus, visit the web site.
If you want to apply to the program, please contact us via e-mail avfilyushkina@fa.ru, +7 495 249-51-13
