International Estimates of Russia’s Investment Image

Abstract

Foreign direct investments are considered to be one of the drivers to stimulate Russian economic development. Increase of funds is highly dependent on current investment image. This article covers different estimates of Russia’s investment image by international rating agencies and research institutes. Sovereign credit ratings are considered to be major indicators of investment image. Leading foreign rating agencies currently estimate Russian credit rating as attractive for investors. Russia has entrenched a credible and consistent policy framework that will deliver improved macroeconomic stability, reduce the impact of oil price volatility on the economy, and support increased resilience to external shocks. Fitch agency considers that Russia's strengthened policy mix, underpinned by a more flexible exchange rate, a strong commitment to inflation-targeting and a prudent fiscal strategy. However, the continued threat of sanctions' escalation will weigh on Russia's external financing flexibility, investment and growth prospects. Some agencies underline the drawbacks of Russia economic development. These drawbacks are dependence on oil and natural gas export, weak banking system, bad corporate management. Current Ratings of the economic development depend greatly on how long the pandemic and social distancing will take place and on the measures that are taken place for increasing economic activities. Section 2 reviews the major estimates of Russian investment climate by different international research institutes. This section shows that Index of economic freedom, developed by Heritage Foundation and Wall Street Journal is of topical interest to potential investors. Russia has improved the position in ranking of economic freedom, but some serious drawbacks still exist. Some ways to improve Russia’s investment image are being suggested in Section 3.