OREANDA-NEWS. February 22, 2011. Vasily Yurchenko, Governor of the Novosibirsk Region, and Peter Gerendasi, Managing Partner of PwC Russia, signed an agreement of intent on working together to enhance the investment appeal of the Novosibirsk Region.  The agreement envisions the parties’ interaction in a range of activities meant to establish a partnership ensuring a favourable economic (primarily investment) and social environment in the region, reported the press-centre of PwC.

These activities are expected to take place throughout all industries, especially those that are top priority for the Novosibirsk Region: mechanical engineering, energy production and distribution, water and gas, construction, retail and transport. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing the region’s potential for innovation.

At the agreement signing ceremony, Novosibirsk Governor Vasily Yurchenko noted:
“We have an ambitious goal for 2011: to become one of Russia’s most attractive regions for investment. And, today, we need a partner with a strong vision and an authoritative reputation among international investors.”

Peter Gerendasi, Managing Partner of PwC Russia, has said that PwC is planning to consult the Administration on updating and implementing the Novosibirsk Region’s strategy for social and economic development and assist in enhancing the region’s investment appeal in both the Russian and international business communities. Moreover, PwC intends to ensure the Administration’s participation in Russian and international economic events. Having gained global experience in business interaction with us, PwC also plans to develop the region’s public-private partnership strategy, e.g., in health and education.

Peter Gerendasi highlighted:
“Our cooperation is primarily aimed at the favourable social and economic development of the Novosibirsk Region.  We are ready to develop and implement programmes to enhance the competitive edge of companies operating in the region and explore their investment needs and potential fund-raising schemes, thus contributing to the region’s economic development and stability. We intend to help the Administration implement public-private partnership projects. This agreement is the first step in fostering fruitful cooperation with the Novosibirsk Region.” Today, PwC also signed an agreement with the Novosibirsk State University aimed at establishing a long-term and mutually beneficial partnership as part of joint educational, methodological, scientific and research programmes.  This cooperation will provide innovation support to the educational process, improve educational programmes and help meet the need for qualified personnel.

PwC, together with the University, will improve educational programmes on accounting, audit and taxation. PwC will also send its specialists to the University to give lectures and run practical training programmes. Moreover, PwC will offer the best students an internship in one of its departments, as well as select graduates with degrees in Economics who are eager to work at PwC.

After signing the agreement of intent with the Novosibirsk Region, PwC announced that it is opening a new office in Novosibirsk in July 2011.

Alexei Fomin, Head of the PwC Russia office in Novosibirsk, noted:
“We are pleased to announce that PwC’s newest office will open in Novosibirsk this summer. We are now preparing to do business in the region and intend to develop constructive relationships with its companies, universities, local administration and business community in order to enhance Novosibirsk's investment appeal as a large regional centre.”

PwC has been working on the Russian market since 1989, and has grown to become one of the largest audit and consulting services provider in Russia. More than 2,000 people work in PwC Russia offices in Moscow, St Petersburg, Vladikavkaz, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Kazan and Yekaterinburg.