ICT businesses keen to expand their international sales should consider the opportunities available in Russia, with its high-growth economy, emerging consumer class and expanding construction industry, according to Austrade.

An upcoming series of seminars in Australian capitals aims demonstrate the breadth of opportunities that exists in the Russian market and explain how Australian businesses can access them.

"Businesses in ICT sector seeking to take advantage of Russia’s economic growth rate of almost seven per cent annually over the past six years can learn a great deal at these market seminars," Moscow-based senior trade commissioner Gregory Klumov said.

"Like any export market, doing business in Russia requires perseverance. But the time is right for Australian ICT companies to achieve significant export deals."

Indicators of Russian economic opportunity (all statistics sourced from DFAT)

According to DFAT figures, Russia’s GDP per capita will pass the critical US$10,000 per annum mark for the first time this year, and is expected to reach US$15,000 by 2010. Russians’ personal disposable incomes are increasing by 25% per annum.

Free seminars on how to do business in Russia and to find out about Australian Government assistance for exporters available through Austrade are detailed below:

Perth, on Tuesday 21 February from 8.30am
Adelaide, on Wednesday 22 February from 8.30am
Melbourne on Thursday 23 February from 8.30am
Brisbane, on Friday 24 February from 8.30am
Sydney, on Monday 27 February from 8.30am.

Interested ICT companies can contact Austrade Direct on 13 28 78 or visit www.austradeevents.com.au/russia for further information.