Karelia is the country’s investment leader: Artur Parfenchikov spoke at the National Centre RUSSIA about the region’s comprehensive development
The Republic of Karelia has made a significant leap in the national investment attractiveness ranking, moving from 56th place into the top 20. This was announced at the National Centre RUSSIA by the Head of the Republic, Artur Parfenchikov, during the thematic programme "Region-2030. Republic of Karelia".
"Today, a large number of investment projects are being implemented in the Republic. The total volume of investments exceeds 150 billion roubles, with the creation of 12,000 jobs envisaged. The projects cover a wide range of areas: stone extraction and processing, forestry, high-tech industries, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding and tourism. Substantial investments are planned for highly promising tourism projects. Today, Karelia is attractive to investors, and we strive to create economic and legal incentives for those who invest in the development of the Republic," Artur Parfenchikov said.
The Head of Karelia also spoke about the development of the Arctic zone, which accounts for 40% of the territory, and its logistics, which also affect investment attractiveness: "Due to the region’s large size, logistics are not simple. However, Karelia, often referred to as European Siberia, is relatively close to major metropolitan centres — Moscow and St Petersburg. This, in particular, forms a convenient logistics chain towards Murmansk and the Northern Sea Route. From an economic perspective, logistics in Karelia are therefore quite efficient, which attracts investors."
According to Artur Parfenchikov, the growth in investment attractiveness creates conditions for the Republic’s further development. He noted that active work is underway in the region to upgrade and build social infrastructure, aimed at creating comfortable conditions for living and working. In recent years, the issue of kindergarten availability has been resolved in Karelia. He also highlighted programmes for the renovation and construction of schools, the creation of more than 50 new feldsher and midwife stations, the construction of a major surgical building with a helipad, and plans to build a modern oncology centre by 2027.
"Today, Arctic Karelia is attractive. We are among the leaders in the ‘Arctic Hectare’ programme. Land is mainly allocated for housing construction or guest houses and for tourism projects. Last year, 1,500 plots were allocated, with two thirds of recipients being non-residents of Karelia. These are people who are ready to move to Karelia to live and to create their businesses," the Head of the Republic said.
Artur Parfenchikov named human capital as the key factor of success. He stressed that the successful implementation of all investment projects in the region requires people who are committed to their work and love what they do. To this end, according to the Head of the Republic, significant attention is paid to education.
"Four clusters have been created in Karelia to train specialists across various sectors. Our technical colleges prepare personnel for a wide range of fields. We are proud of the results: the best professionals live and work here — Russia’s best welder, best lumberjack, best excavator operator, as well as one of the country’s top dairy workers from a state breeding enterprise. This is our true pride, because these people are what enable Karelia to move forward. They are the main wealth of our region. People know how to work and love what they do, which gives momentum to the development of all industries," the Head of the Republic stated.
Artur Parfenchikov also highlighted the strong cultural and tourism component of the region’s development: "Karelia has many well-known points of attraction. These include Ruskeala Mountain Park, which has received numerous national awards. Our petroglyphs are another key attraction — a unique collection of rock art. In 2021, they were granted World Heritage status." He added that Karelia attracts tourists not only with its nature, but also with its vibrant cultural events.
In conclusion, Artur Parfenchikov emphasised that steady investment growth, comprehensive care for people, and the careful development of natural, historical and cultural heritage create the very "mill of good fortune" — the Sampo mill from the Karelian-Finnish epic "Kalevala" — which is becoming a reality in the region.
The Republic of Karelia Days are taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 27 January to 1 March. The programme introduces guests to the culture, traditions and potential of one of the most distinctive and tourist-attractive regions of the Russian North.
All events at the National Centre RUSSIA are free of charge. Some require prior registration on the Russia.ru website. The current schedule is available in the "Events" section.
On 29 January, an agreement between the Republic of Karelia and the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives was signed at the National Centre RUSSIA.
