THE PRESIDENTS of 18 Russian banks were in South Africa this week to familiarise themselves with local systems and facilities.
Heading up the delegation, which visited Johannesburg and Cape Town during its one-week trip, was Jaakko Harjula, president of the Finnish Institute for International Trade.
We have for several years arranged seminars for Americans and Germans on how to trade with Russia, and for Russia on how to trade with western companies, Harjula told FTW in Johannesburg this week.
With Russia keen to open its own channels, there was a need for similar training in South Africa.
A number of lectures by SA banks have been arranged which will outline how the local banking system works.
This is Harjula's second visit to South Africa. In 1991, as chairman of the International Association of Trade Training Organisations, he delivered the keynote address at the SA Insstitute of Export's graduation and awards ceremony.
