From August 19 to 20, 2026, a field‑based federal training session for municipal investment commissioners was held in Tyumen, organized by the National Association of Investment and Development Agencies, the “Investment Agency of the Tyumen Region” Foundation, and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. The event brought together 170 representatives of investment teams from 111 municipalities across 35 regions of the country. The delegation from the Murmansk Region included investment teams from Monchegorsk, Olenegorsk, and the Tersky and Kovdor districts, which participated in the federal platform.
The purpose of the internship is to provide municipal investment commissioners with effective tools to support businesses and attract capital to their territories. Representatives from the Murmansk Region not only adopted their colleagues’ experience but also presented their own practices, which aroused keen interest among the professional community.
As part of the “Investment Marketing” expert session, the team from the Kovdor District shared their experience in comprehensive branding of the territory “Kovdor — the Capital of Hyperborea”. This project combines three key areas: improving public spaces, organizing unique event activities, and engaging businesses in brand promotion. Thanks to the synchronization of branding with government programs and the people’s program “Live in the North!”, the district managed to transform its main urban axis and cultural institutions. According to the delegation members, cultural institutions are no longer just buildings for storing books and exhibitions — they have become vibrant spaces for creativity and leisure. Municipal festivals are regularly held in the renovated public spaces, where trade zones, public catering areas, souvenir sales, master classes, and concerts are organized. The new attraction points have become popular among both residents and entrepreneurs.
Monchegorsk has presented its experience in systemic interaction between the authorities and business: monthly meetings of the investment commissioner with entrepreneurs and a specialized working group led by the head of the city make it possible to promptly resolve business issues. This system, in partnership with the Monchegorsk Development Agency and Norilsk Nickel, yields tangible results: today, 13 residents of the AZRF are implementing projects in the city, with a total investment volume of 17.8 billion rubles and plans to create 166 jobs. The “Grant Academy” project helped to raise more than 18 million rubles and support over 140 applicants, and the focus on event tourism — the Imandra festival, X‑Waters Imandra, Moncha Night Trail and others — ensures hotel occupancy, an increase in average spending and the development of local cuisine. These practices have been recognized with the PRObrand Grand Prix, first place in the RuPoR award, the Creative Travel Awards and the Silver Mercury.
During the discussion, the internship participants reached a consensus: the success of municipalities is built on an active dialogue with investors, systematic project support, and a willingness to adopt best practices from one another. For the Murmansk Region team, participating in the federal platform was an opportunity not only to present their own experience but also to establish new business contacts and learn about successful solutions implemented by colleagues from other regions. The knowledge and connections gained will be used to build even more effective work with investors and to enhance the investment attractiveness of the municipalities in the Kola Arctic.
/Murmansk Region Development Corporation/
Photo by InvestTyumen