The rules for foreign investors in Russia have often been murky. But a landmark new law due to be approved by Russia's parliament on Mar. 22 should at least make matters a little clearer. The Kremlin-backed statute will regulate investment in so-called strategic sectors of the Russian economy, meaning that foreigners will henceforth have to seek government approval if they plan to make significant investments.
The law represents the culmination of a trend in recent years toward greater economic restrictions in Russia. The government has noticeably cooled toward foreign investment in sectors deemed to be of strategic importance—notably the crucial energy and minerals segments.
