RUSSIAN BUSINESS PRESENCE IN THE DRC C-CI9-01825

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000924 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINR BBSR ECON EINV CG SUBJECT: RUSSIAN BUSINESS PRESENCE IN THE DRC C-CI9-01825 REF: STATE 88241 ¶1. (U) This cable responds to reftel questions 1.A-F. Information was obtained through public sources. ¶A. There is no specific Russian trade representation in the DRC. ¶B. The Russians and Ukrainians are well-known for operating the second-hand aircraft brand "Antonov." Some ninety percent of deadly airplane crashes in the DRC involve Antonov aircraft. As a result, the GDRC officially canceled the Antonovs' right to fly, but the Antonov aircraft are still flying since this decision is not enforced. ¶C. There are no statistics on how much revenue Russian companies are bringing in. ¶D. Russian investment is in the education and mining sectors. Russia provides scholarships to Congolese students to go to Russian universities from time to time. Recently, the Russian Commercial Attach announced the launching of a "Mining Bank" in Kinshasa. However, the Mining Bank is still in the process of being established. ¶E. The Russian embassy does not seem to be working closely with Congolese businessmen due to the lack of communication. So, it is not easy to know what they do. Congolese businessmen communicate in English rather than Russian. ¶F. There are no statistics available on the number of Russian citizens residing in the DRC. ¶2. (U) Post will report septel should it receive additional information concerning Russian business presence in the DRC. BROCK