The Arctic As A Strategic Priority#

The Arctic zone of Russia is a unique region with enormous potential for the development of the country’s economy. In the context of the reorientation of foreign economic relations to the East, the issues of exploration and development of the Arctic territories are becoming particularly relevant. The Eastern Economic Forum in 2025 is intended to become a key platform for discussing the prospects of the Arctic region.

Responsible Partnership For The Comprehensive Development Of The Arctic And Far East#

For Russia, as the largest Arctic power, the region has always had a special strategic significance. Regardless of the geopolitical situation, Russia continues to advocate for equal cooperation in high latitudes with all constructively minded countries that are ready for a responsible and long-term partnership.

The opportunities for international cooperation in the region open up truly colossal prospects for the further comprehensive development of the Arctic and the Far East. The most important goal is to unlock the potential of the Northern Sea Route as a key component of the Transarctic Transport Corridor and an international transit route in order to create a sustainable transport and logistics framework for the continent and improve regional connectivity.

What points of contact do Russia and non-Arctic states have for pragmatic cooperation in this regard? What is the appeal of the Arctic and Far East for non-regional partners? What practical steps are needed to intensify pragmatic international project-based cooperation in high latitudes and increase cargo transportation along the Northern Sea Route?

Russia–ASEAN#

Russia is working with ASEAN to develop trade and economic cooperation. The organisation boasts one of the world’s most dynamic, fastest growing economies. Opportunities to strengthen business ties invariably include cooperation in important areas like energy and transport, medicine and tourism, digital transformation, technology, and innovation.

What steps need to be taken to fill the new Russia–ASEAN Strategic Programme for Trade and Investment Cooperation until 2035 with practical content? What aspects should be taken into account when developing common approaches to markets for goods and services, the promotion of innovation, and attracting investment to Russian projects in the Far East and the Arctic? What practical measures are necessary to ensure the stability of production and supply chains and to overcome issues with financial settlements?

The Arctic And Information Policy#

The Arctic is currently generating unprecedented attention around the world. This is primarily due to its rich resource base and logistical capabilities for transporting goods in the northern part of the European continent. Russia’s state policy in the Arctic aims to strengthen the country’s national security, develop a strategic resource base, ensure the year-round operation of the Transarctic Transport Corridor, create a high-quality urban environment, preserve the traditions and way of life of the Indigenous peoples of the North, and protect the environment.

One of the government’s key goals is to create an image of the Arctic among Russians as a territory that is being developed and explored by strong-spirited people who are open and always ready to help each other, where traditional Russian spiritual and moral values form the foundation for life in extreme climatic conditions.

How to make the Arctic closer and more recognisable for a wider range of citizens and, especially, for young people? What are some of the current instruments that can be used to ensure sustainable public interest in the Arctic through culture, enlightenment, science, education, cinema, television, and media? What is essential to shaping an image of the Arctic zone as an integral part of the country’s national identity?

500 Years Straight Ahead: From Discovery To The Cutting Edge On The Northern Sea Route#

The first layout of the Northern Sea Route and the first map of the Arctic Ocean and Muscovy coasts were created 500 years ago, in 1525, after the descriptions provided by the Russian diplomat Dmitry Gerasimov.

Today, a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure effective shipping operations in Arctic waters, from a historical understanding and analysis of modern technological trends to the involvement of all stakeholders. Sustainable interaction between such factors as technology, economics, and ecology is shaping the future of shipping along the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor.

How effectively can innovative nuclear solutions be used to ensure the safe and stable navigation of vessels along the Northern Sea Route as a key component of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor? How can environmental protection be ensured when developing transport infrastructure in the Arctic? Will the demand for nuclear icebreakers change given the needs of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor? How can interaction between business and the government contribute to the sustainable development of the Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor?

The Northern Supply Route: Reliable, Rapid And Affordable#

To date, extensive efforts are underway to implement the new federal law On the Northern Supply Route. The strategic objective of this legislation is to reduce the cost of essential goods for the population. The territories served by the Northern Supply Route experience extremely harsh natural and climatic conditions, and their complex, multi-stage logistics result in long delivery times, frequent supply disruptions, and higher prices for transported goods. Additionally, the significant rise in debt financing costs further drives up the prices of essential products. In this challenging context, state financial support measures, fleet modernisation, logistics optimisation, and the development of supporting infrastructure are critically important.

What specific government support measures are necessary to lower the purchase and delivery costs of goods supplied to the northern regions of Russia, considering their unique conditions? What strategies can optimise the logistics of Northern Supply Route deliveries? What initiatives are currently being implemented in this area, and how will these affect delivery times and costs? Will the introduction of a single maritime operator for Northern Supply Route deliveries enhance supply reliability and stabilise transportation costs? What are the outcomes of the pilot cargo delivery project in Chukotka? What is the current status and future outlook for the cargo fleet servicing the Far North? What is the current status and future outlook for the supporting infrastructure required for these logistics operations?

Enhancing The Legislative Framework For Incentive Regimes In The Far East And Arctic#

Developing the Far East is a national priority for Russia throughout the 21st century. In order to support investment projects, starting in 2014, the best conditions for doing business were created in the Far Eastern Federal District and then in the Arctic: preferential regimes such as advanced development territories, the Free Port of Vladivostok, the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation, the Kuril Islands of the Russian Federation, and the Special Administrative Region on Russky Island. These instruments have helped achieve significant results: 1,177 projects have been commissioned, investments totalling RUB 4.7 trillion have been made, and 168,000 jobs have been created. But time does not stand still, and geopolitics and business conditions are changing. Investors and residents are reporting problems, and there is clearly a need to fine-tune the conditions of the preferential regimes, which have shown impressive results over the past decade.

What needs to be changed in legislative regulation based on ten years of experience in doing business under preferential regimes? What new measures need to be enshrined in law in order to support investors in the current environment? How should the existing regulatory framework be adjusted to facilitate the work of those implementing projects in the Far East and the Arctic? What planned changes to legislation are unacceptable for business?

Safe Territories: Developing Emergency Monitoring And Forecasting Systems In The Far East And Arctic#

Given the geopolitical importance of the Far East and the Arctic as key regions for trade with Asian countries and the extraction of natural resources, monitoring and forecasting emergencies is a vital strategic task for Russia. Climate change and weather anomalies can lead to serious consequences for the region’s population and infrastructure.

What role does emergency monitoring and forecasting play in the Far East and the Arctic, taking into account climate change? What are some of the methods and technologies used to monitor and forecast emergencies? How will the security of the Northern Sea Route evolve going forward? What is the best way to ensure safe shipping? How is environmental safety improving?

Digital Health Technologies: Innovations And Import Substitution#

The modern challenges facing healthcare demand the rapid introduction of innovative technologies into clinical practice and the organisation of medical care. In the context of global digitalisation, the development of digital solutions, including artificial intelligence, genetics, and telemedicine, has particular importance, making medical services more accessible and improving their quality. This is especially relevant for regions with unique climatic and geographical conditions, such as the Far East and the Arctic.

A key priority is the creation of regional and interregional digital healthcare systems that enable effective interagency cooperation and the integration of local health programmes. In the future, a digital framework for healthcare in the Far East and the Arctic is expected to take shape, with AI and genetics likely to play a central role in areas such as disease diagnosis and prevention. Which technologies have already become routine, and which are still in development? Should the emphasis be on breakthrough, costly, and complex technologies, or on providing universal access to simple yet essential digital tools?

The successful development of the Arctic territories is an important factor in strengthening Russia’s economic potential and expanding international cooperation. The 2025 Eastern Economic Forum will be an important milestone in the development of Russia’s Arctic policy.

The discussion of topical issues will make it possible to develop effective solutions for the integrated development of the region, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders and respecting the principles of sustainable development.