Electronics Production |
WikiLeaks: Intel threatened to lay off in Russia
Intel has received a waiver to import 1'000 encrypted platforms for the development of software into Russia. However, lobbying involved hints of moving R&D activities from Russia to India.
"Intel was able to by-pass the cumbersome licensing process by engaging in high-level lobbying and capitalizing on Russia's desire to become a 'knowledge-based' economy", a cable from the U.S. Department of State reads.
To get passed Russia's encryption import laws, several high-profile Intel managers (including CEO Craig Barrett) were apparently using the over 1'000 Russian Intel engineers while lobbying for the waiver. "Intel's advocates emphasized that if Intel could not quickly import these development kits, there would be no programming work available and Intel would have to lay off over 200 engineers."
Furthermore, the cable also states that a move of R&D from Russia to India was also being used while negotiating the waiver.
-----
Source: WikiLeaks
