A few minor developments in the Russian economy today, but important if they are part of a larger trend. Russian steel giant Severstal will be investing at least 5 billion USD worth of investment in new manufacturing plants in Russia, details to follow but they should be modern plants producing higher qualities of steel. The St. Petersburg area recently hosted a delegation from Japan in order to spur economic ties. Many of the companies, but not all here to explore the establishment of manufacturing plants to support the auto industry. In only a few years, Japan’s investment in Russia has grown from only a few companies to dozens.