- Marubeni Corporation CHARACTER REFERENCE Khabarovsk, Russia November 20, 1997 To whom it may concern: Khabarovsk office of "Marubeni Corporation" has used "IBS Translators & Interpreters" (Director Mr. Alexander Samoiloff) services since 1993. For this period IBS provided us helps in the following projects; 1. Reconstruction Project of Khabarovsk Oil Refinery Plant in 1993-1994. IBS made written translations of technological documents, arranged intermediate interpreters for Japanese and Russian experts during development of the project's feasibility study. 2. Preparations of feasibility study for Hospitals Construction Project in Yaktsuk area. In 1993-1994 IBS made written translations of the project's technical and financial documents. Further more, IBS interpreters attended to Yakutsk area six times with Japanese engineers and financial experts working on analysis of local technical, financial, tax environment and some other questions. 3. In November 1997, IBS helped us in preparation of feasibility study for Rehabilitation Project of Khabarovsk Oil Refinery Plant, working out transportation scheme for oversize constructional parts deliveries from Japan and Korea to the construction site. During one week Mr. Samoiloff worked as an interpreter with Japanese transportation experts meeting with Amur Shipping Company, Far Eastern Railways, Khabarovsk River Port, transportation and some other companies in Khabarovsk. Mr. Alexander Samoiloff often works as an interpreter for us. He has a good knowledge of English, local environment, technical skill, and other things, which are helpful in arrangement of our activities in Khabarovsk area. "Marubeni Corporation" Yasuaki Fuji Representative of Khabarovsk Office MARUBENI CORPORATION C. P. 0. BOX 595, TOKYO 100-91, JAPAN TELEPHONE: TOKYO 3282-2111 CABLE: MARUBENI TOKYO TELEX:J22326, J22327, J22328 13603 NSP (100X300) ------------------------------------ Rayonier International Forest Products TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN Please accept this Letter of Recommendation on behalf of Alexander Samoiloff. I have been working in the Russian Far East for 2 years, 3 months and have known Alexander for this entire period. Alexander has assisted me in both business and personal activities. Alexander's company, IBS, is one the more recognized and successful translation service companies in Khabarovsk. To my knowledge, Alexander has worked companies/individuals from the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea and China to provide assistance in conducting business transactions within Russia. I personally have found Alexander's Russian - English translation skills, both written and oral, to be excellent. Within the Russian Far East, Rayonier is involved in the purchase and marketing of spruce, larch and pine logs for a number of Russian companies. In addition to providing translation services for Rayonier, Alexander was successful in bringing various log companies together with Rayonier and coordinating new deliveries to our Vladivostok port area. In a country where old business standards and methods die hard, obtaining steady business relationships requires extreme patience and understanding. Alexander's understanding of the different methods of conducting business (United States vs. Russia) helped significantly during negotiations and the development stages of forming new business relationships. To conduct a profitable business in Russia requires individuals that are aggressive, innovative and comprehensive. I have found Alexander to have these attributes as well as having the general personality which makes working with him quite enjoyable. I believe that Mr. Samoiloff could operate a successful business, or if employed would be a substantial asset to any company. If you would like to contact me with regards to Alexander, please feel free to do so at: Telephone 7-4212-33-57-07, or Fax 7-4212-33-83-61. Sincerely Paul M. Tweiten Manager, Russian Operations ----------------------------- KHABAROVSK KRAI ADMINISTRATION 50, K.Marx Street, Khabarovsk, 680000, tel: (7-4212) 32-73-97 CHARACTER REFERENCE Khabarovsk, Russia November 05 1997 To whom it may concern: Administration of Khabarovsk Territory recommends Translators & Interpreters company TOO "IBS" and its manager Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich as a good company and considers "IBS" one of the leading translators company of the territory. Business profile of TOO "IBS is the following: 1. Written translations for different governmental agencies of official documents, with verification of the translations. For making of such translations "IBS" actively uses computer's equipment, which allows to make it fast and of a good quality. 2. Simultaneous and consecutive interpretations at different international conferences, meetings and symposiums, arranged by Khabarovsk Territorial Administration and the Board of Regional Association of Economic Cooperation of Subjects of Federation of the Far East and Zabaikalye, and also by other public organizations. Mr. Samoiloff, acting as the leader of interpreters team, skillfully managers their works. He always, himself being an experienced interpreter of English, actively operates in simultaneous and other kinds of translations, because he has excellent knowledge of English, and has necessary level of economic, technical, legal and other knowledge. Here is one of the examples: in the beginning of October 1997 in Khabarovsk was arranged Second International Investment Conference. Within a short time "IBS" made written translations of investments atlas "Energy and Mineral Resources of the Far East and Trans-Baikal Territories" (250 pages), with review of investment projects, which was offered to foreign investors. Also, at the conference was arranged quality simultaneous interpretation of reports of federal representatives and leaders of federal subjects of the Far East and Zabaikalye, leading scientists and industrialists, representatives of financial and legal (including foreign) institutions. 3. Providing of consulting and legal services to public organizations and agencies, private companies, and also to individuals on international activities. Adviser of the Head of Administration of Khabarovsk Territory for International Affairs Vladimir V. Koochuk ----------------- CENTER OF LEGAL DEFENSE, 680000 Khabarovsk, Volochayevskaya St. 174, Phone: (7-4212) 22-45-37 CHARACTER REFERENCE Advocate Mrs. Samoilova Tatyana Gennadyevna Center of Legal Defense was founded in 1992 as a legal company for protection and defense of entrepreneurs' and small business companies' rights in Khabarovsk. Mrs. Samoilova T.G. is known to us from 1992 as a competent lawyer of wide profile, serious and very responsible person. In 1992- 1994 Tatyana Gennadyevna, being a representative of MP "InfoBusinessService", participated in establishment of the biggest in the Far East Commodity and Stock Exchange "Bison", and in work of Exchange Board. During that time the Board of CSE "Bison" developed legal basis for activities of the Exchange, created a network of trade houses, financial establishments and a number of other organizations, facilitating to the development of entrepreneurship in the city. Mrs. Samoilova T.G. took active part in the development of founding and other documents for the mentioned structures. During her work as the lawyer in TOO "IBS" Mrs. Samoilova T.G. was engaged in development of founding documents and state registration of foreign investments companies in Khabarovsk for Japanese and American businesses, protected their defaulted or disputed rights and legal interests in state agencies, arbitration court. In June 1997, as an experienced lawyer, she became the member of 2-nd Bar Collegium of Khabarovsk Krai. Now she provides legal help to individuals in protection of their legal rights in the Court, Office of Public Prosecutor, and Militia. Director December 18 1998 Gallina E. Khaletskaya -------------------- Limited Liabilities Society " VIAD" Khabarovsk, Komsomolskaya St. 34. Tel. 33-47-89 CHARACTER REFERENCE From 1995 until today our company, following up a legal services agreement, uses help of the Attorney Mrs. Samoilova Tatyana Gennadyevna. She provides us with highly effective legal help in our commercial activities: develops contracts for shipment of products and services, provides legal advice on Labor Law. During that time she participated in arbitration court hearings, defending interests of our company, which arose during execution, amending, and termination of business contracts for sales of commodities and products and etc., which allowed us to save a substantial monetary funds. Tatyana Gennadyevna helped us to return through arbitration court a big sum from a debtor company, which owed us money for non-delivered goods. Company "VIAD" knows Mrs. Samoilova T.G. as the competent expert in her job, responsible and contentious worker, and enjoys cooperation with her. President of "VIAD" December 20 1998 Valery A. Tolkachev ----------------------- FAR EASTERN ACADEMY OF THE MINISTRY OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS, RUSSIAN FEDERATION. 680020, Khabarovsk, Per. Kazarmanny 15 CHARACTER REFERENCE Samoilova Tatyana Gennadyevna worked in Khabarovsk Police Academy as the Chief of Educational-Methodical Legal Action Laboratory and Teacher of Criminal Law from June 1984 to February 1990. During that period she was recommended as a creative, thoughtful, serious employee. She was distinguished by a high performance of her works. Showing high interest in legal procedure, she provided methodical help to Academy cadets in preparations of educational works, provided technical help in practical Legal Action training and seminars. Besides this, she trained cadets as a teacher of "Type writing and record keeping" During her work for the Academy Mrs. Samoilova had only good recommendations. She is communicative, friendly, purposeful and polite person. She enjoyed respect and good reputation among teachers and cadets of the Academy. She actively participated in social activities of the Academy. She had no reprimands. For high working performance and active participation in social events of the Academy she was few times rewarded. Chief Inspector Personnel Department Police Major Sergei V. Nazarov May 19 1997 ------------------------ TOO "GO ELECTRONICS" 680000, Russia, Khabarovsk, Serysheva St. 60 Tel. (7-4212) 33-64-59; RECOMMENDATION Khabarovsk, May 15 1998 TOO "GO ELECTRONICS" is one of Khabarovsk leading companies in the markets of computer software products for TV companies, and also of special computer programs for financial, tax, transportation, and some other institutions and companies. "Go Electronics" cooperates with "IBS Translators & Interpreters" (director Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich) from 1993. During our cooperation IBS regularly provides help in complex specialized written translations and during negotiations with our foreign partners. Mr. Samoiloff has a good knowledge of English and specific features of our activities. For written translations IBS uses modem computer technologies, scanners, translator programs and some others, which considerably increase productivity, shortens time of orders execution and makes them a quality product. We know Mr. Alexander V. Samoiloff as an experienced and industrious manager. He regularly increases level of his computer technologies knowledge and , in our opinion, is a skilled computers user. His adaptation to a new computer programs is pretty fast. For example, during studies of financial analysis program Prof. 1-EC he used personal knowledge of accounting, taxation, and financial systems of Russia. During our works with Khabarovsk Department of "Roshydromet" (Meteorology), Mr. Samoiloff essentially helped us, together with NASA (USA) experts in adaptation of American satellite forecasting computer programs to local environment. Director Vladimir .I. Levin ----------------------- FISHERY COMMITTEE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION, KHABAROVSK KRAIRYBAKKOLKHOZSOYUZ FISHERY KOLKHOZ LENINA 682489 Bulgin, Telephones: 2-17; 2-80. Okhotsky Rayon, Khabarovsk Krai Telex: 111171 LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION Khabarovsk, Russia To all whom it may concern: November 04 1998 Kolkhoz Lenina, as one of biggest fishery and fish processing enterprises of Far Eastern region of the Russian Federation, regularly uses services of Interpreters & Translators Company TOO "IBS" from June 1993. TOO "IBS" and its manager, Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich, provide us with quality and effective help in translations and verification of customs documents, and documents of standardization for imported by our company fish-processing and other equipment, and in arrangement of business communications. For example, in the beginning of 1997 "IBS" made quality and fast translations of a big volume technical documentation (About 600 pages), including specifications for purchased by our company in Korea 2,000 tons capacity refrigerator. Besides translations, "IBS" provides us with technical and legal support. So, in critical situation, when a modern refrigerator with fish inside failed, and we had only video tapes with educational information in English, within a short period of time Mr. Samoiloff studied this technical computer operating materials, and trained our engineers, which allowed to start refrigeration units, and we avoided heavy losses. Few times, being in a critical situation, we used services of "IBS" attorney Mrs. Samoilova Tatyana Gennadyevna. For example, in June 1997 she helped us, within a short period of time, to pass through registration of technological equipment export contracts, which allowed Kolkhoz Lenina to save 20 % from the total amount of the contract. During the years of cooperation between our companies we reached a good mutual trust relations, and we can recommend TOO "IBS" as a reliable business partner. In their works "IBS" actively uses computers, which allows to provide cheap, quality and fast written translations. Sincerely Chairman of the Board of Fishery Kolkhoz Lenina Valery I. Soldatov ------------------------- "Golden Sea LTD", Khabarovsk, ID 2721055641 To whom it may concern: CHARACTER REFERENCE November 18 1997 Chinese company 000 "Golden Sea" is an importer of food products from China to Russia. From 1994 we use Translators & Interpreters Company TOO "IBS" (Director Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich) services for translations from Chinese and English and verification of customs documents, different kinds of certificates, and other necessary documents for imported products. Translations are made fast and of high quality on computers, often beyond the working hours, which helps us to avoid penalties for delay of rail cars. During the period of our cooperation we had no problems with quality of translated and verified by IBS documents in any of state agencies and administrations. Among Chinese importing companies "IBS" is considered as one of the reliable and leading translators companies of the city of Khabarovsk with good image, were clients are treated with great attention. We know Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich as an experienced manager and skilled translator of English. Director of 000 "Golden Sea" Kun Syanbuin -------------------- RANDY & ROBIN COVINGTON Missionaries to the Russian Far East International Mission Board Southern Baptist Convention November 24,1997 Dear Sirs: I am writing on behalf of International Business Services (IBS) and its President, Alexander Samoiloff. IBS is located in the Russian Far East city of Khabarovsk and provides professional translation services to foreigners and international agencies doing business in Russia. We have been acquainted with Alexander and IBS for the past three years as we have lived and served in this city. He has on numerous occasions translated official documents, including our mission constitution, letters of request to register with local agencies as well as partnership documents. This is a reputable firm, which is highly recognized and respected for efficiency and quality by local administration officials as well as members of the business community. Their rates are reasonable and competitive and they offer very professional services. Their close working relationship with local area administration officials is a great advantage, especially to the foreign community, which often finds it difficult to understand Russian protocol. I hereby highly recommend IBS and Alexander Samoiloff for association with your organization. I believe your mutual association will be beneficial to you as well as to them. If I can be of further assistance in providing information regarding the service we have received from IBS, I would be happy to do so. I wish for you all the best in your future cooperative efforts and relationship. Respectfully Submitted: Randy Covington Strategy Facilitator International Mission Board, SBC 680000 Khabarovsk Russia, Central PO Box 1017, Tel/Fax (4212)21-76-32 e-mail: ran@fmb.khabarovsk.su ------------------------ TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: Mr. Alexander Samoilov has been a consultant to our church as well as a personal consultant to me for the past year. His advice has been highly valued, he has been very accurate in his dealings with me and my work, and has been very helpful to me in many ways. He is a fluent speaker of American English with a good accent and a good understanding of idiomatic conversational speech. He is very knowledgable of the workings of the Russian bureaucracy and how to deal with it and has frequently helped us cross bureaucratic hurdles. He is very conscientious and the fact that his wife, Tatiana, is a licensed attorney has also proved invaluable in our dealings. He has not only a good knowledge of Russia and its bureaucratic system but also has a deep understanding of the workings of the political system. Besides English, he is also fluent in Spanish and has a basic knowledge of Japanese. He has been a trusted friend and advisor and I feel is a very responsible person. Although he has not been a member of our congregation, I feel that he conducts his business in a manner that reflects the kind of ethics, which are the underpinnings of the Christian faith. I have no doubt that he will succeed in any endeavor he undertakes. Rev. Glen Proechel, Missionary Pastor Shore of Hope Lutheran Church Khabarovsk, Russia ------------------------- GOSSTANDARD OF RUSSIA KHABAROVSK CENTER OF STANDARDIZATION, METROLOGY AND CERTIFICATION 680063, Khabarovsk, K.Marx St. 65 Teletype: JIA3EP: 141609 Tel/Fax: (4212) 33-92-62 19.11.97 #280-18/1-899 CHARACTER REFERENCE Khabarovsk, Russia November 18 1997 To whom it may concern: Agency for Certification of Products and Services of Khabarovsk Center of Standardization, Metrology and Certification cooperates with Translators & Interpreters Company TOO "IBS" (Director Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich) from 1993. TOO "IBS" makes written translations, with verification, from English, Chinese, German and other languages for a wide rage of food products, consumer goods, household appliances and industrial equipment, imported to Khabarovsk Krai and subject to compulsory certification in Russia. During our cooperation "IBS" won only good reputation. Translations are made on computers, fast, high quality and skilled. "IBS" enjoys good reputation and trust in standardization agencies, and also among different importer companies, and sure is one of the leading translators companies of Khabarovsk Krai. "IBS" Director Mr. Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich is characterized as a skilled manager, who cares about reputation of the company, and is a good English translator. Director of the Agency for Certification of Products and Services. Khabarovsk Krai Lyudmila .A. Shekhmanova Office 212 Tel. 71-35-89 Agency for Certification of Products and Services of Khabarovsk Krai. POCC RU. 0001.10A R35 ------------------ IMMIGRATION SERVICE OF RUSSIAN FEDERATION KHABAROVSK OFFICE CHARACTER REFERENCE Khabarovsk, Russia November 17 1997 To whom it may concern: Translators & Interpreters Company "IBS" (Director Samoiloff Alexander Victorovich) is characterized by Immigration Service of Khabarovsk Territory as a recognized company with good image. In 1994, after the proper inspection, "IBS" was rewarded with a license for export of labor force outside of Russia. "IBS" makes written translations (with verification) of official documents for foreign companies and individuals necessary for issue of Work Permits from Immigration Service of Khabarovsk Territory. Moreover, TOO "IBS" Attorney Mrs. Samoilova Tatyana Gennadyevna many times provided help to foreign companies in processing documents procedure. Many times Immigration Service of Khabarovsk Territory used help of "IBS" in working with foreign companies and organizations. For example, in June 1997 Federal Migration Service of Russia, together with Immigration Services of European Union countries (Great Britain, Germany, Holland, France and others), and UNO Refugees Commission, within the frameworks of TASIS program, arranged in Khabarovsk one week seminar for leaders and officers of the Immigration Services of Russian Far East and Zabaikalye on problems illegal Chinese immigration. Mr. Samoiloff helped us in organization of work and provided interpretations at the seminar. He worked as an interpreter (simultaneous translations, interviews etc.), which was highly evaluated by foreign and Russian participants of the seminar. Also, TOO "IBS", using its ties among American companies, provided help to Immigration Service of Khabarovsk Krai in establishment of direct territorial contacts with US Immigration Service in Anchorage, Alaska. Mr. Samoiloff is characterized as a skilled manager and interpreter. He has excellent knowledge of English, together with legal, technical and practical experience on a wide range of subjects. Immigration Service of Khabarovsk Krai First Deputy Director Stanislav V. Hodakov Tel (7-4212) 52-46-79. ------------------------