- Global chemicals information giant ICIS is extending its presence in the Russian plastics market through a joint venture with specialist Former Soviet Union (FSU) based benchmark price provider Market Report Company Group (MRC), the two companies announced on Thursday.

"The Russian polymers market is growing at an extraordinary speed and becoming an integral part of the global marketplace," said Christopher Flook, publishing director of ICIS, a part of Reed Business Information. "Our cooperation with market-leaders MRC will ensure we serve customers both inside and outside Russia with a greatly-enhanced information offering."

"We are very pleased to be working with ICIS, the global leader in the market information field," said Sergey Yaremenko, CEO of MRC. "MRC's specialist expertise in these markets is a natural fit with ICIS' breadth and depth of coverage."

To mark the launch of their collaboration, ICIS and MRC are holding a one-day conference: "Russian Polymers Summit" on October 14th, 2010 in Moscow, Russia.

Participants will gain an understanding of the challenges facing the polymers market in Russia and the FSU. Key areas for focus will include Russian and international producers' perspectives on the potential threats posed by increased tariffs; and on supply-demand issues and their impact on pricing.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to interact with key players in the Russian polymers market. Click here to find out more and to register, http://www.icisconference.com/russianpolymers, http://www.polymersummit.ru  (Russian language.)

Further areas of increased co-operation between ICIS and MRC will be announced at the summit.