Foreign Investment Advisory Service

	Content: About Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) FIAS in Russia Administrative Barriers to Investment within Subjects of the Russian Federation				Important:   Tomsk Oblast - Analysis of procedures for accessing land and real estate and construction permits. March 2003   Perm Oblast - Analysis of procedures for accessing real estate and construction permits June 2003

Foreign Investment Advisory Service (FIAS) has the unique strength of being a joint service of two of the world's largest multilateral development institutions: the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the World Bank (IBRD) which are part of the World Bank Group (www.worldbank.org). FIAS was founded in 1985 and has assisted more than 120 countries to identify the essential attributes of a sound investment climate and chart practical paths to change. FIAS works only at the request of governments, on topics identified by the government and agreed to by both parties. This ensures the relevance of the assistance and lays the basis for active partnership.

FIAS broad experience suggests that much can be done to remove barriers, disincentives, and distortions that may discourage investment or divert it from efficient uses. Creating a stable, neutral, and efficient environment for business can bring in new investment and improve the productivity of existing investments which are key to economic growth and raising living standards.

For more information about FIAS please see www.fias.net