The first sectoral strategic session on the formation of a new plan "To live in the North", which will determine the future of the Kola Arctic, was held in Murmansk.
Olga Kuznetsova, Deputy Governor of the Murmansk Region, relevant ministers of the regional government, representatives of business communities and public organizations of the region took part in the discussion on the formation of a new strategic plan for the near future.
Olga Kuznetsova opened the event with a welcoming speech and a report, who spoke about measures aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses and the agro-industrial complex, the implementation of creative industries projects.
"Over the past five years, we have allocated about 1.5 billion rubles for state support of small businesses. This is a very significant amount. In turn, the region has received a very good effect over a 5-year period – 9.8 billion rubles in taxes from small businesses. Today, about 105.5 thousand people work in the field of small business and ensure the sustainability of the economy, and our development depends not only on the implementation of large projects, but also, of course, on SMEs. I hope that today's event will become a productive discussion platform for the business and expert community, which will identify the main tasks and goals for the next five years, which, of course, will have a positive impact, including on the development of entrepreneurship in the region," the Vice–governor noted.
In addition to the resources and solutions for national projects that we have, the strategic plan "To live in the North", initiated by the Governor of the Murmansk region Andrey Chibis, allows us to implement even more measures in our region aimed at developing the region and, first of all, improving the quality of life in the Arctic, the welfare of Northerners and attracting new residents.
As part of the group work, the participants of the industry strategy session formed business ideas and relevant proposals on priority areas of development of the region in terms of the development of small businesses, creative industries, aquaculture and agriculture.
The task for the teams was to work out each direction according to the "Decision Matrix" model – to analyze the results already achieved and propose specific actions that will help achieve the goals set and reach a new level of development. For example, the participants of the session noted the need to form an educational program to open their own business for schoolchildren and students.
"I would like to note that the entrepreneurs of the Murmansk region are very active. They openly talk about what they lack and what needs to be improved. And what is very important, they think not only about their business, but in general about the development of the entire region and offer initiatives not only in the field of small business," Olga Kuznetsova stressed.
All ideas and proposals voiced by the business community based on the results of group work will be analyzed taking into account national goals and key advantages of the region. The results of the work done by the participants of the sectoral strategic session will be presented to the Governor of the Murmansk region Andrey Chibis.
/ Ministry of Arctic Development and Economy of the Murmansk Region /
Photo: Pavel Stepanenko