The
Kremlin is getting more Internet-savvy every day. Not only has President Dmitry
Medvedev joined Twitter, the Russia government now has an
English language web portal to help funnel business and advertise their foray
into the information age.
Modern Russia, a website devoted to Russia's
public diplomacy mission in the U.S., opened for business today. Funded by the Russian
government, the site is managed by Ketchum, the public-relations firm that
represents the Russian government and the Russian energy giant Gazprom.
ModernRussia.com is an online
forum designed to facilitate discussion about the steps that government and
private industry are taking to make modernisation a reality. The forum also
provides a space to identify and discuss the challenges that remain," the
website explains.
There
is all sorts of interesting information on the site. For example, did you know
that Russia has a hugely successful "cash for
clunkers"
program to get old cars off the road and spur new car sales? And were you aware
Russia just opened its largest-ever shopping mall, called "Vegas," which has an
indoor Ferris wheel?
The
site also has a lot of wonky policy and law-related items that purport to show
Russia as a burgeoning emerging market that is steadily moving toward economic
and legal reform. The lead item in the legal section is entitled "Government
flexes legal muscle in corruption fight."
So,
is this just a PR gimmick? Not at all, says Matt Stearns, Ketchum vice president.
The site is meant to invite participation for people to offer commentary and
solutions, which will all be posted if they aren't angry or profane. Third-party
analysis will also come from writers from across the spectrum, he said.
"There
will be an opportunity for folks to participate in the debate and we'll aim to
show a balanced perspective of Russia's investment climate," Stearns told The Cable.
"Why
is this website important? Because Russia's modernization is dependent in no
small part on foreign direct investment."
The
new initiative even has a Twitter feed of its own.
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