A: Hey, what's the latest gossip?
B: Nothing much, just some talk about businesses in Russia.

A: Oh, really? What's up with that?
B: Well, Japanese and American companies are discussing their future plans beyond Ukraine conflict.

A: That sounds serious! Where was this meeting held?
B: In Moscow, actually. The Japanese Business Club and the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia hosted it. Even some Russian officials were there!

A: What did they talk about?
B: The Japanese guy said they need to work together to prepare for changes in Russia's situation. The American group seems hopeful because of President Trump's dialogue with Moscow.

A: Hopeful, huh? Why's that?
B: Because the dialogue with Russia completely stopped during the previous administration. That's what the American guy said.

A: And the Japanese side? What did they say?
B: They shared a survey of about 130 member companies. Around 63 percent see Russia as an important market, but 78 percent think doing business there can risk a company's reputation.
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Japanese and US companies operating in Russia held talks on Wednesday to discuss what the future might hold beyond the conflict in Ukraine.



The Japanese Business Club and the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia hosted the event in Moscow. Russian officials were among those mingling with business leaders.



Japanese Business Club Owatari Kozo said, "The public and private sectors need to consider joint efforts with an eye on future changes in the situation in Russia."



The US group signaled cause for optimism, pointing to dialogue that President Donald Trump recently launched with Moscow.



American Chamber of Commerce in Russia Robert Agee said, "We've been encouraged by the renewed US-Russia dialogue which completely stopped during the previous administration."



The Japanese group cited a recent survey of about 130 member companies. The results show 63 percent regard Russia as an important market. But 78 percent said doing business there holds risks for a company's reputation.