Speaking at the Russian Economic Forum in London this week, Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt warned that UK businesses must not make the mistake with Russia that they made with China in the 1990s.
"Ten years ago, [China’s] potential for growth was clear," she said. "But we missed the boat. As a result, Germany now exports eight times as much to China as we do." Ms Hewitt said that she was determined that this would not happen with Russia, which "shows every sign of being the next China. I want Britain to have seats on the plane before it takes off.”
