Determinants of investment activity in the Russian fishing industry

Abstract

Subject. We investigate determinants of fixed asset investment in the Russian fishery sector. Objectives. The purpose is to unveil meaningful patterns and primary drivers of investment activity in the Russian fishing industry. Methods. The study draws on methods of comparative analysis, statistical analysis, economic modeling, graphical interpretation, and logical generalization. The informational base of the study includes statistical data of the FAO, IMF, OECD, Rosstat, and the Federal Agency for Fishery. Results. We examined determinants and investment trends in the Russian fishery sector from the 1990s to 2020. The main factor, influencing the investment trends, proved to be the pre-tax profits in the sector. It explains over eighty percent of changes in the level of investment in fixed assets. Another important, however, less significant factor was a trend towards decline in rates on loans. Both factors had the greatest impact, with the lag of one year. Conclusions. Our analysis found no evidence for a significant impact of fishing quotas, which are a tool of the State policy, on fixed asset investment in the Russian fishery sector. The findings can be useful for evaluation of the public investment policy and for more effective investment decisions in the fishing industry.