The Murmansk Region is hosting the International Arctic Forum "The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue" - one of the largest business events in Russia. The key topics of the upcoming event, which will be held in Murmansk for the first time under the motto "Live in the North!", were discussed today at an operational meeting chaired by Governor Andrey Chibis. The focus, as the head of the region noted, is the development of the Northern Sea Route, attracting investment and personnel, as well as creating comfortable living conditions in the Arctic.
"On the sidelines of the SPIEF, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin once emphasized that Russia will grow through the Arctic – this is where our key mineral resources are concentrated. And it is at the forum, uniting representatives of government, business, science and the public, that we set ourselves the most important goal: to develop the most effective strategies for industrial growth of the Arctic, improving the quality of life of its residents, developing cities, and strengthening the environmental safety of this unique region," said Andrey Chibis, noting that holding the forum in Murmansk is a great honor and a great responsibility.
The main topic of the forum will be the development of the Northern Sea Route. The Governor recalled that the NSR is not just the shortest route connecting the East and the West, but a strategic asset of Russia. In recent years, active work has been underway to make the NSR competitive in the international arena: new ports are being built, logistics are being developed, and in the future, the nuclear icebreaker fleet will be expanded for year-round navigation. The expansion of the fleet also means new investments for the region, and for the country, it is the basis for national and food security.
A joint meeting of the commissions of the State Council of Russia will be held within the framework of the IAF, where they plan to discuss in detail the formation of a national project for the development of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.
"Work on it was carried out within the framework of the State Council commission "Northern Sea Route and the Arctic", which President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin instructed me to head. We attracted experts from various industries, worked out in detail all the projects of the comprehensive plan. This issue was discussed at the Maritime Board under the leadership of Presidential Aide Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev. This is an important topic that is aimed at increasing investment in the regions of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, improving the quality of life of people and ensuring the development of investment projects,” the head of the region noted.
The Governor emphasized that investments in the Arctic zone of Russia continue to grow: today, more than 900 companies have become residents of the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, using tax incentives and state support. Thanks to these measures, new production facilities are being created in the regions, and port infrastructure is being developed. Investments are being made in "green" energy and digitalization. According to Andrey Chibis, this is not only a contribution to the economy, but also a guarantee that Russia, as an Arctic superpower, will actively develop. The most important issue is providing the regions with qualified specialists.
"The most important thing is that the Arctic is not only the economy, the economy is made by people, and all projects in the Arctic are the result of the work of work collectives, strong and real people. The development of the North today requires active and professional workers who are ready to work in difficult climatic conditions," the Governor emphasized.
Today, the Muravyov-Amursky 2030 program is effectively operating in the country, which trains a new generation of managers capable of solving complex problems. On the sidelines of the International Arctic Forum, experts will discuss mechanisms for disseminating such programs in the Arctic zone. The Governor recalled that the Murmansk Region is successfully implementing the Course to the North program, thanks to which more than 420 specialists and their families have already moved to the region. We will share our experience of attracting highly qualified specialists to the Murmansk Region with the forum participants.
“The topic of personnel goes hand in hand with the topic of creating infrastructure for a decent life. Today, a program for the development of key settlements is being implemented in the Arctic. This issue will also be the subject of discussion at the relevant sessions. Let me remind you that Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin gave an order that separate sections on key settlements in the Arctic should appear in national projects,” said Andrei Chibis.
The Governor noted that the development of the Arctic is impossible without a responsible attitude to nature. An important topic of the International Arctic Forum will be the balance between economic growth and the preservation of biodiversity.
“Our goal is to make the Arctic not only a resource base, but also a standard of harmony between man, economic, industrial development and the preservation of unique nature,” the governor summed up.
/Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region/
