As part of a survey of 195 senior executives not based in Russia examining perceptions of Russian companies, the Economist Intelligence Unit also asked about Russia’s economic potential. The Russian market is expected to total more than $2 trillion in 2012, making it among the world’s top 10. The GDP per person is $14,200, which is the largest among BRIC nations. Thirty-nine percent of survey respondents expect Russia to become Europe’s biggest market based on volume and 37% expect it to become a “key export platform” for Europe and Asia. However, significant problems remain for business expansion, in addition to uncertainty about the political and legal systems. Forty percent of respondents believe it will trail other emerging markets in attracting investments. Forty-four percent think political risk is currently too high for major investments, and 46% think the lack of reform will slow Russia’s growth. Almost a third doubt Russia will ever be open to major foreign investments.

Source: The Economist Intelligence Unit