Over the past decade, Russia has adopted dozens of legislative initiatives, creating a solid framework for sustainable economic growth and social progress in the Arctic. Master plans have been developed for 16 Arctic communities designated as backbone development hubs – these urban planning initiatives will be finalized shortly, according to Alexei Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Arctic.

Speaking at the 4th national youth forum, The Arctic – The Ice Has Broken, in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area, the official highlighted several projects and government support measures being implemented in the North to stimulate investment in the region.

“The Strategy for Developing the Russian Arctic Zone and Ensuring National Security until 2035 serves as the foundation for our efforts. Priority development territories have been established in the Arctic, alongside the world’s largest special economic zone, the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. These measures systematically strengthen the region’s infrastructural and economic capacity,” the minister emphasized.

According to Chekunkov, the total volume of investment projects currently underway in the Arctic exceeds 30 trillion rubles. He also noted that logistics and shipping volumes are set to expand significantly in the near future.

“Cargo transport via the Northern Sea Route has already surged 38-fold over the past 13 years and will soon reach 200-300 million tons annually. At the same time, the Arctic will become a more comfortable place to live while preserving its unique character,” he concluded.