After a long break caused by sanctions, the devaluation of the Ruble and the fall in the price of oil, foreign investment is returning to Russia. Credinform examines the reasons for the renewed foreign capital inflow.
Picture 1. Foreign Direct Investment to Russia in US$ bn, – IQ 2012 – IIQ 2016
Source: Bank of Russia
As illustrated by the above chart the volume of FDI amounted to $ 7,1 bln, in the IIQ 2016, which exceeds the figures for the full year 2015 ($ 6,4 bln). The 2016 FDI inflow is reaching similar levels before sanctions were imposed.
Some economists are of the opinion that a portion of the FDI inflow may be the result of de-offshoring measures imposed on Russian businesses. In other words, Russian capital is returning home. Nevertheless a revival of foreign business interests are taking place as evidenced by economic research, which has recently recorded a growth in optimism in conducting business in Russia. Potential investors from Europe appear to be on the forefront of this positive development.
According to the Information and Analytical System Globas-i®, developed and maintained by Credinform, currently 41 071 legal entities with foreign shareholders are registered in Russia. 32 832 of such entities have foreign investors who hold a controlling interest. Over 70% of these companies are registered in Moscow, Moscow region, Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad region. 
Picture 2. Location of companies with foreign share holders
The majority of companies with foreign investments are engaged in wholesale, construction, renting and management of owned or rented properties. The table 1 shows the Top-10 of popular activities of the Russian companies with foreign shares.
Table 1. The most popular activity types of the Russian companies with foreign shares
*- share in the total number of companies with foreign investments registered in Russia
Some experts predict a brighter picture for 2017 in terms of FDI inflows and the attractiveness of the Russian market as compared to other world markets. Net capital outflows, caused mainly by repayments of private sector external debts, declined to US$10.5bn during the first half of 2016. This is a positive development, which means more capital being available for domestic investments. Undeniably the lifting of economic sanctions would be a significant impetus for foreign investment. *- share in the total number of companies with foreign investors registered in Russia
Information on Russian companies with foreign shares – subsidiaries and associated companies – is presented on-line in the Information and Analytical system Globas-i®.
Source: Credinform Russia
