The Arctic zone attracts the attention of all leading powers of the world, and there are a number of reasons for such increased interest, said Minister for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic Alexei Chekunkov at a plenary session of the Arctic – Regions forum in Arkhangelsk.

“First, the Arctic is considered a future new – shorter – global transport corridor between Europe and Asia by almost everyone; second, a treasury of valuable natural resources. And third, the kitchen of the world’s weather,” the minister noted.

According to him, Russia that is the main Arctic power of the world, with half of the territory of the Arctic zone making part of it.

“The Arctic zone comprises 25 percent of the territory of the Russian Federation. But what is more important is that we have been living and managing the Arctic for many centuries, and have proven time and time again, without exaggeration, that we can implement projects and do things in the Arctic that no one else can do,” Alexei Chekunkov said.

The minister added that Russia was building a strategy that relied on a balance between the economy and the social sphere, as well as on projects in the fields of production and transport, and was aimed at making Russia stronger as a great Arctic power.

The meeting participants also stressed that Russia’s presence in the Arctic was inextricably linked with the development of the Northern Sea Route, which was to become a global transport corridor ensuring the country’s economic ties with almost the entire world.

“Today we are talking more about the Global South, but if some countries change their stance at any moment, it could serve as a universal route going in all directions. Moreover, this is an absolutely logical connection between the West and the East. Therefore, now we need to focus on building the infrastructure for transporting our goods to export markets,” Arkhangelsk Region Governor Alexander Tsybulsky said.

According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Roman Chekushov, products manufactured in the Russian Arctic should also be export-oriented.

“Our regions are carrying out a lot of work to develop exports; they have their own programs that take into account the industry component. Regions need to actively promote themselves abroad,” he noted.