Estonia, Good for Business, Russia, Transport

Where last year Mootor Grupp announced that they were scaling down their Russian operations as a result of poor economic conditions and a drop in demand, Osula now told Postimees that the second half of this year has been a success for them and has given reason to add more departures in 2017.

"Let's put it this way: we are successful with the bus line between Helsinki and St. Petersburg to the point where we are planning to extend it to Moscow," Osula told the newspaper. He added that due to increased demand the company will add departures also on the St. Petersburg-Riga and Moscow-Riga routes.

Osula said that just like other businesses, Mootor Grupp had difficulties in 2014 when the sanctions were imposed on Russia and the exchange rate of the ruble fell. "We had a minor setback indeed back then, but we don't have that fear any more. The shock is over and the market has recovered all right," he added.

Mootor Grupp, market leader in bus transport in Estonia, has been active in Russia since 1997. At present its Russian subsidiary ZAO Evrolains employs 60 bus drivers and its sales make up almost 7% of the group's total sales. "Our experience is that if you are correct and precise, pay the taxes and don't try to get involved in politics, you can do business successfully in Russia," Osula said.