IKEA Finally Opens in Ufa

By The Moscow Times

Aug. 29, 2011

A Russian IKEA store. IKEA's Mega shopping complex in Ufa had been slated to open three years ago. But problems with work permits and building regulations held up its launch. Vladimir Filonov

UFA — IKEA invested about 9 billion rubles ($310 million) in the construction of a multipurpose shopping complex in Ufa, Per Wendschlag, general director of IKEA Russia and CIS, said at a news conference held in conjunction with the opening of the new store.

"Company management is eager to work with local producers. The main issue is their readiness to do that. We will promote that process," Bashkortostan President Rustem Khamitov told journalists.

Mega Ufa was originally scheduled to open in fall 2008. IKEA's investment was expected to total 4.5 billion rubles.

But the project was halted after violations were uncovered in the way the Federal Migration Service issued work permits to foreign staff. In addition, local prosecutors claimed that the organizations overseeing construction of the complex were not complying with building regulations.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue