New Shipping Line for Russia

The Prime Ministers of Russia and Denmark officially opened a new shipping line on Monday 22 March, signalling an improvement in relations between the two countries.  The container line, offering a service between St Petersburg and Ecuador is being operated by a Danish shipping company.  Denmark had been critical of Russian policies towards Chechnya, but by arranging a joint opening ceremony the two countries showed that they wish to improve co-operation.  Russia is positively encouraging Nordic countries to invest: Finland is already investing in timber processing and logging, and Russia has promised to continue its freeze on timber export duties to help Finnish companies.