Central and eastern Europe: more discontinuity than change

Civil engineers wishing to take advantage of the potentially enormous opportunities for developing their business in the former Soviet-controlled economies of central and eastern Europe should beware. It is a minefield of disparate cultures, languages and religions and has probably endured more political turmoil and oppression than any other region this century. If its people have one thing in common, it is a well-founded distrust of foreigners. Would-be business partners from outside thus need to tread warily, to approach markets on an individual basis and to handle business relationships with the utmost intelligence and tact.