On November 4-8, 2006, Russian businessmen and politicians discussed the most urgent problems related to Russia's presence on the African continent. The 12th international business conference of RBC "Russia and South Africa: Business on Emerging Markets" attracted some 200 participants.

Among them were Senator Lyudmila Narusova, Honorary President of VimpelCom Dmitry Zimin, State Duma deputy Vadim Varshavsky, President of the Russian Financial Corporation Andrei Nechayev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Ownership Viktor Pleskachevsky, President of the Moscow City Advocates' Chamber Genri Reznik, singer Anita Tsoy and other celebrities. "The Republic of South Africa can help Russian companies expand on the continent," RBC's General Director Yury Rovensky pointed out. The participants of the forum could not only deliver speeches on vital issues but have a good rest too, which is a normal thing about RBC's conferences. The mandatory part of the program includes various cultural events, glamour parties, local cuisine tasting, and sight-seeing. The Russian delegation had to endure a 13-hour flight before it got to deliver speeches, travel to a savanna, visit Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and enjoy a three-day trip to Namibia, Zambia and Botswana. Only the impressive supplies of Chivas Regal and conversation made the time go quickly on the plane.

Cape Town welcomed the participants with a beautiful spring. The event could not have passed without a few surprises at the airport. Yury Rovensky met guests wearing traditional African attire, and offered everybody dried antelope meat. The ladies were presented with astonishing proteas, which are blooming in South Africa at the moment. The next day was totally devoted to sightseeing around Cape Town and the suburbs. Unfortunately, strong wind and clouds cancelled a ropeway journey to the top of the Table Mountain. A trip to the Cape of Good Hope well paid for everything. The cape is washed by two oceans: dark and cold Atlantic waters on the one side and turquoise Indian Ocean on the other. To say that an astonishing view opens from the Cape of Good Hope is to say nothing: white sandy beaches, reefs and underwater stones and blue waters are all in one place there.

When the Russian guests had got over their jet lag and sated themselves with the local cuisine, it was time for topical sessions and round-table meetings. Administrative Department Director of the Russian Industry and Energy Ministry Yevgeniy Dedkov that mentioned in his speech that the only way Russia could achieve a high level of competitiveness was "to stick to a strong, balanced government - a strong business system." This strategy is based on the following principles: state ownership for infrastructure, partnership between the state and individuals, replacing the imports of products with the imports of production, developing a technical regulations system and following a three-I principle, which is investment, innovations and integration." President of the Russian Financial Corporation Andrei Nechayev raised the most applause. According to him, the government's pressure on businesses had not been reduced, and the number of state officials and bribes had only increased. Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Ownership Viktor Pleskachevsky agreed with him: "Governmental regulations in Russia are an impenetrable membrane, and if you do get through them it will cost you a fortune."

The business talks were important, but not the only element of RBC's business conference. Each day of the event ended with an interesting program. For example, one dinner was arranged in the ancient Castle of Good Hope which was opened specially for the Russian guests. They got to try exotic cuisine (such as tender antelope fillet in wine sauce), enjoy a concert by national pop stars and fireworks in traditional Russian big style.

Another evening was spent visiting an old winery, where the Russian guests learned about traditional winery technology and got to taste local wines. Unfortunately, the time went by very quickly. Designed as a business event, the conference closed with a mega party with Chivas. Together with the performance of Russian singer Anita Tsoy, it warmed the hearts of the participants. Anita sang her latest hits and also the Russian national anthem, which inspired everyone to stand up and sing along. Amazingly enough, most of the Russian guests knew the new lyrics by heart.