Alexey Mordashov introduced prospects of business cooperation between the countries of the Northern Dimension region

Alexey Mordashov, Chairman of PAO Severstal, chaired the IX Northern Dimension Forum, which was held on 5 April 2018 in Saint-Petersburg. More than 200 delegates attended the event.

The aim of the forum was to boost cooperation between the authorities, business and civil society in the participating countries of the Northern Dimension. This year's focus was on the new economical mindset: innovative management models and business processes.

Alexey Mordashov on behalf of the members of the Northern Dimension Business Council, expressed profound grief and sorrow at the passing of Mr. Tapio Kuula, former Member of the Board, Fortum Corporation; former Co-Chairman of the Northern Dimension Business Council, and participants observed a minute of silence in tribute to his memory.

Alexey Mordashov, Chairman of PAO Severstal, Co-chairman of Northern Dimension Business Council:

«The constant evolution of technology is transforming all aspects of our life, including economics and business. We are already witnessing shifts in the structure of labour demand and recognise that traditional approaches to business problem solving are inefficient. In order to adapt, we must reconsider traditional business management models. Furthermore, we need to develop a new economic mindset focused on stimulating business development without causing social upheaval. The countries of the “Northern Dimension” should unite in devising practical steps to support regional businesses in seizing new opportunities and surviving continuous change. We are convinced that, despite the tense geopolitical situation, fostering dialogue between business representatives from North-West Russia and the countries of Northern Europe will encourage positive economic development within the region».

Rolf Jansson, President and CEO, VR Group; Co-Chairman of the Northern Dimension Business Council (NDBC):

«At Finnish Railways, VR-Group, we have in recent years been very focused productivity and efficiency. In order to be successful in the future, we need to continue on this path. By interacting actively and openly over traditional geographical and industrial barriers we create the best opportunities to succeed also in the new economy. The Northern Dimension Business Council creates a solid and at the same time flexible network for European-Russian co-operation in the Northern Dimension area».

At the forum presentations were made by senior representatives of European and Russian ministries and departments, and company executives. They included: Andrey Kelin, Director for European Cooperation, Member of the Collegium, Ministry of foreign affairs in Russia; Markku Keinänen, Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland; Sven-Olov Carlsson, Deputy Head, EU Delegation to the RF; Andrey Sharonov, President, Moscow Skolkovo Management School; Taras Demura, CEO, TUI Russia; Paolo Falcioni, Director General, APPLIA Home Appliance Europe and others.

Thomas Staertzel, Chairman of the AEB Board:

«The Northern Dimension initiative remains one of the few official platforms left where Russia and the EU together with Norway and Iceland are cooperating on common challenges faced by the region such as transport connections, border security, energy, climate change and the preservation of the Baltic Sea environment. It is especially important in these tense times when the EU-Russia relationship is suffering».

Frank Schauff, AEB CEO:

“This year, the Northern Dimension Forum is held for the ninth time, and we are very glad that it remains one of the few venues for free and constructive dialogue between participants from different countries. A large number of delegates proves that representatives of business communities are genuinely interested in the successful implementation of their joint projects and further economic cooperation, despite some external policy difficulties. In this regard, The Russian North-Western District remains for the AEB a key region as it plays a strategic role in the EU-Russia relations being the main gateway from Russia to Europe”.