[presto10]

Because you so obviously are more interested in spreading libel and doubt about those who put forward critique of Russian corruption, than to actually analyze the subject matter in a civilized manner.

If you really care about Russia, start acting better than those who libel Russia. That means, don't libel back.

[ilyak]

What I'm interested in is telling some truth about what's really happening.

I guess that's just not interesting enough. Truth is overrated.

[dchest]

Your "truth" is based on what, you being Russian? "I will be in Samara" in your only argument. You didn't provide any data on furniture sales, no references to the "fact" that IKEA put local stores/factories out of business.

Well, I'm Russian too, and your comments are totally wrong. I can say my arguments after I hear yours.

Finally, cursing on HN (even in Russian) doesn't make you sound good.

[ilyak]

Well, did the article provide any data on how much are they expected to bribe, in $, and how good their mall building is? No, instead we've seen some bashing. It's okay to bash, it's okay for me to troll.

Face with it: IKEA drains money from the country (is that called investments) and also their offerings are crap. Maybe it's just my experience; Тёмочка praises them. However, my experience is that you should only go there for tasty фрикадельки.

[dchest]

"Today we order $50m of furniture here from Russian factories. In the future want to buy at least ten times that amount," said Dahlgren." -- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1836004.stm (2002)

There are over 30 Russian factories working for IKEA. How does this correlate with your theory of IKEA killing local factories?

[ilyak]

That's actually a good point. Didn't know that. I wonder if it's better than it was when it was chinese, tho.

Anyway, a valid point.

[sho]

"Face it: IKEA drains money from the country"

This is a common misconception and almost certainly wrong; you may need to brush up on your knowledge of economic theory if you harbour such fallacies. Perhaps start with comparative advantage:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_advantage

[ilyak]

The problem with comparative advantage is: For what products do Russia have comparative advantage? Besides oil, because being an Oil banana republic suck, and also all kinds of banana republics gravitate towards corruption and despoty.

If we'll find that we don't have comparative advantage over China in all manufacturing, we have two choices: - Ruin all the country manufacturing and hope for economical tooth fairy to save us - Fotrify economy against comparative advantage by introducing tariffs on imported goods.

It's noble and cool to think that every country have its own comparative advantages, but, some don't. In this case you either lose your manufacturing entirely, or defend it.

[laut]

A comparative advantage is not the same as an absolute advantage.

Have you read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparative_advantage ?

[sho]

Give me a break. Russia has huge natural resources, a large aerospace and military industry, and a promising if undeveloped IT/maths/science sector. The possibilities and potential is endless.

There are plenty of things highly skilled Russians can and should be doing rather than making crappy, expensive furniture. But you know this, of course. This is what every other country does.

And there are plenty of other countries which earn the bulk of their foreign currency in commodity exports, mine included, and it's not a hotbed of corruption. In fact, minimising corruption can be a comparative advantage in itself.

"In this case you either lose your manufacturing entirely, or defend it."

Who would want to defend their furniture manufacturing capacity!? Yes there are strategic industries you can make a case to defend. But furniture? "Mr. President, we must not allow... a furniture gap!"

Anyway, if you're going to protectionist your way to the poor house, at least do it legitimately as part of a top level economic strategy. Local corruption is absolutely not the way to enforce a tariff.