The Murmansk Region is hosting the International Arctic Forum "The Arctic – the 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 slogan "Live in the North!", were discussed today at an operational meeting chaired by Governor Andrey Chibis. According to the head of the region, the focus is on the development of the Northern Sea Route, attracting investments and personnel, as well as creating comfortable living conditions in the Arctic.
"On the sidelines of the SPIEF, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin once stressed that Russia will grow in the Arctic – this is where our key mineral resources are concentrated. And just at the forum, bringing together representatives of government, business, science and the public, we set ourselves the most important goal: to develop the most effective strategies for the industrial growth of the Arctic, improving the quality of life of its inhabitants, urban development and strengthening the environmental safety of this unique region," said Andrey Chibis, noting that 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 East and West, but a strategic asset of Russia. In recent years, work has been actively underway to make the NSR competitive in the international arena: new ports are being built, logistics is developing, and in the future, the expansion of the nuclear icebreaker fleet for year–round navigation. The expansion of the fleet is also a new investment for the region, and for the country it is a base for national and food security.
Within the framework of the IAF, a joint meeting of the commissions of the State Council of Russia will be held, where they plan to discuss in detail the formation of a national project for the development of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.
"The work on it was carried out within the framework of the State Council's commission on the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic, which President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin instructed me to head. We engaged experts from various industries and worked out all the projects of the comprehensive plan in detail. This issue was discussed at the Maritime Board under the leadership of Presidential Aide Nikolai Platonovich Patrushev. This is an important topic aimed at attracting investments to the regions of the Russian Arctic, improving the quality of life of people and ensuring the development of investment projects," said the head of the region.
The governor stressed that investments in the Arctic zone of Russia continue to grow.: Today, more than 900 companies have become residents of the Russian Arctic, using tax incentives and government support. Thanks to these measures, new production facilities are being created in the regions and the port infrastructure is developing. 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 to provide the regions with qualified specialists.
"The most important thing is that the Arctic is not only an economy, people make the economy. All projects in the Arctic are the result of the work of labor 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 tasks. On the sidelines of the IAF, experts will discuss mechanisms for the dissemination of such programs in the Arctic zone. The Governor recalled that the Murmansk Region is successfully implementing the "Heading North" program, thanks to which more than 420 specialists and their families have already moved to the region. The Murmansk Region will share its experience in attracting highly qualified specialists with the forum participants.
"The issue of personnel goes side by side with the issue of creating infrastructure for a decent life. Today, a program for the development of support settlements is being implemented in the Arctic. This issue will also be the subject of discussions at the relevant sessions. Let me remind you that Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has instructed that national projects should include separate sections on key settlements in the Arctic," said Andrey Chibis.
The Governor noted that the development of the Arctic is impossible without a responsible attitude to nature. The balance between economic development and conservation of Arctic biodiversity is another topic that will be raised at the forum.
"Our goal is to make the Arctic not only a resource base, but also a benchmark for harmony between humans, economic, industrial development and the preservation of unique nature," the governor concluded.
/Ministry of Information Policy of the Murmansk Region/