JRL NEWSWATCH: “The tenth city: Rostov-on-Don; We move to Russia in our series on Europe’s second-tier cities; Ancient trading traditions have survived Bolshevism and war” – The Economist

Map of Commonwealth of Independent States, European Portion

“… [Rostov-on-Don has] roots as a trading hub …. Russia’s gdp growth is slow at around 1.5% … [yet] the Rostov region is … at twice that … powered by booming farming, retooled manufacturing and an active citizenry. … [G]eography, tradition and mild weather make[] Rostov among Russia’s most entrepreneurial cities. … [where] 44% of the workforce is employed in small and medium-sized businesses, compared with a dismal 25% nationally. … main industries largely lie outside the purview of Western sanctions, which have focused on energy, finance and the arms trade. … [There is] a gleaming new international airport [along with] a network of refurbished roads, built ahead of … [the] World Cup …. some Soviet giants here retooled. … [like agricultural-equipment producer] Rostselmash …. Agriculture is … [a] rare bright spot[] in the Russian economy …. [But] Rostov … [faces] the same challenges … plagu[ing] Russia at large. Overzealous inspectors … sanctions [chilling] business relationships … rising petrol prices. …”

Click here for: “The tenth city: Rostov-on-Don; We move to Russia in our series on Europe’s second-tier cities; Ancient trading traditions have survived Bolshevism and war” – The Economist

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