Murmansk projects can become ‘backbone points’ of Arctic development (photo)
Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade considers the Murmansk Region and the projects on construction of Murmansk Transport Hub and Special Economic Zone at the Port of Murmansk as backbone points for the development of the Arctic zone of Russia, press center of the regional Government cites Aleksandr Tsybulsky, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, as saying at the meeting with Murmansk Region Governor Marina Kovtun.
The parties discussed the prospects of the special economic zone at the port of Murmansk. “The meeting of the State Commission for Arctic Development held yesterday discussed the state program for socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin voted for the development based on cluster principle through establishment of backbone points of economic growth in the Arctic. We would like to see the Murmansk Region with its MTH project among such points. Special Economic Zone at the Port of Murmansk could also become a backbone point. I see the prospects in the development of fish processing. It is not a mega-project but it is something that can be done through moderate investments and that will bring a sound economic and social effect,” said Aleksandr Tsybulsky.
Marina Kovtun emphasized the significance of SEZ project for the development of the Arctic shelf and for import substitution.
SEZ advantages are evident for large players in the oil and gas sector – NOVATEK and Rosneft. Implementation of those companies’ Arctic projects will mean the establishment of a new economic sector in the Murmansk Region. It will bring a multiplicative effect: increased inflow into the budgets of different levels, generation of over 4,000 of jobs and considerable increase of investments.
As Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said at the meeting of the State Commission for Arctic Development held in Murmansk on March 9, 2016, the state programme “Socio-economic development of the Russian Arctic” will be based on “backbone points of development”. The programme will be considered by RF Government in late April 2016.
Related links:
Murmansk Governor says the region can become a center for servicing marine activities in the Arctic >>>>
Transport group of state commission for Arctic development issues confirms national status of MTH project >>>>
