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At the annual general meeting of the St. Petersburg International Business Association (SPIBA), the results of the previous year were summarized and plans for the development of industrial tourism in the region were presented. Economic development results for the Leningrad Region in 2025 Non-resource, non-energy exports grew by 11.2% Foreign trade increased by 23.1% Increase in fixed capital investment from 1,114.3 to 1,593.1 billion rubles 1st place among Russian regions for investment in industrial construction Among the important results of the past year, the achievements of the "Cool Location" program developers were also recognized. At the final event of the fourth season, "Open Industry," the program won in several categories. To promote the region's investment and export potential, a new industrial tourism program, "COOL LOCATION. Business Tourism," is being launched this year. The program is designed for corporate tourists and will provide additional opportunities for promoting Leningrad Region companies in friendly countries. Furthermore, this creates a platform for attracting new business partners and showcasing the key competencies of the project participants, which already include: Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill Technoflex Plant LLC PORT FAVOR Terminal Komatso LLC Lyubimy Kray Production Association JSC This new program will diversify the tourism product, increase tourist traffic, and strengthen the Leningrad Region's image as a leading industrial region and a flagship of innovation. Furthermore, the development of this program will help attract more foreign investment and create a vibrant platform for the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and practices with leading Russian and international companies. The outcome will be a transition to a diversified industrial tourism model and a stronger regional product in this sector.

Today, at a press conference at Interfax, Lina Nikiforova, Deputy Chair of the Committee for Economic Development, and Ekaterina Bendik, Head of the Leningrad Region Export Support Center (LREC), discussed key areas for Leningrad export development and business support measures. Logistics is a Priority. The most popular measure is reimbursement of transportation costs (up to 80% of costs to the Russian border). The selection process takes place annually in May and June. Geographical Expansion. This year, in addition to traditional CIS countries, the LREC plans to organize group stands in China and India. A showroom has been successfully operating in Tashkent for almost a year. Training and Support. Entrepreneurs have access to free educational programs ("Export Boost"), business missions (international and interregional), and assistance in organizing their presence at exhibitions. Figures In 2025, 32 companies, with the support of the LREC, launched their products in 22 countries. The volume of supported exports amounted to $26 million. By 2030, as part of the national project "Efficient and Competitive Economy," the goal is to increase non-resource exports by two-thirds. Our major advantage is our port infrastructure; it is our main window to exports," Lina Nikiforova emphasized. New Horizons Plans include Egypt, South Africa, and the Middle East. You can learn more about the services of the Leningrad Regional Center for Efficiency and Efficiency directly from the Center, as well as at regular board meetings in municipal districts.

A working meeting with representatives of the Samara Region Investment Promotion Agency was held via videoconference. Artagan Bersanov, Head of the Investment Infrastructure Development Department at the State Budgetary Institution "Aerlo," presented the "Green Corridor for Investors" system, and Serafima Lebedeva, Development Director at Roxoft LLC, described the key operating principles of the "Investor's Personal Account." Since the implementation of the "Green Corridor" in 2021, the number of projects accepted for support has quadrupled annually. However, as Artagan Bersanov noted, to significantly reduce administrative barriers, it was necessary to carefully develop the regulatory framework, engage local governments, and conclude agreements with resource suppliers and the Roscadastre and Federal Tax Service departments for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region. Since 2024, a "Feedback Mechanism" (FM) has been implemented in the Investor's Personal Account. Investors can contact us with any questions and receive a response within 5 to 20 days, depending on the complexity of the task. By the end of 2025, 689 inquiries had been received through the MOS, with an average investor rating of 4.8 out of 5. Surveys conducted by the Agency also indicate that businesses are satisfied with the level and quality of interaction. Following the presentation, we answered questions from colleagues in the Samara Region. What is being done right now to modernize the system? Answer: Artificial intelligence technologies are being implemented, and the roadmap is being refined using a Gantt chart. How is interaction with resource supplying organizations structured? Answer: Organizations do not currently process inquiries directly, but they respond within 7 business days, and will soon become full participants in the MOS. What platform does the system operate on? Answer: This is a custom development developed specifically for the Agency. How does interaction with executive authorities work? Answer: Each government agency has a designated person responsible for working with the MOS. Interaction occurs within the framework of the LKI. They also discussed how work with new investors is structured, how requests are distributed between different departments, and whether the implementation of the Green Corridor allows for the complete elimination of in-person meetings with investors (answer: no, working through a feedback mechanism makes in-person meetings more effective due to the preliminary discussion of issues, but does not eliminate them). Samara Oblast is currently implementing its own CRM system and plans to incorporate the experience and developments of AERLO. We agreed to stay in touch with colleagues and continue consultations in the near future.

This year, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI) updated its methodology for compiling the National Rating. Its structure has been expanded from 110 to 125 rating indicators, with many metrics refined and detailed based on regional teams' initiatives. For the first time, the Agency will also create a non-rating index based on 15 indicators, reflecting the effectiveness of economic integration of cultural heritage sites. The results of the National Rating will be presented, as usual, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

The Leningrad Region has announced the start of the competitive selection process for the second cohort of the regional "Heroes of Team 47" program. The new recruitment is open in the "Pedagogy" program and is aimed at participants and veterans of the Special Military Operations (SMO) who wish to pursue careers in education. The decision to launch this cohort was made in accordance with the decision of the Public Council for the Program's Implementation. Applications were accepted on February 23, 2026. What the participants will receive: Winners will be able to complete a comprehensive professional retraining program, which includes: Free training; Internship and additional educational activities; Assistance in finding employment as a "Teacher of Supplementary Education." Applicant requirements: Citizens of the Russian Federation residing in the Leningrad Region are invited to participate. Key selection criteria: Participation in combat operations within the SMO; Higher or secondary vocational education; No criminal record or status of being under investigation. Number of spots: 15-20 winners will begin training immediately; Up to 15 candidates will be included in the reserve. They will be able to complete the training after completing their military service. How to apply: Applications are accepted on the program's official website. The portal provides detailed information about the program, the competitive selection process, the stages, and their implementation timelines.

The first meeting of the Industrial Tourism Subcommittee of the Leningrad Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LRCI) was held at the Lyubimy Kray confectionery factory, with the participation of tour operators. The company, which has been in operation for 27 years, is one of the largest oatmeal cookie producers in the world, producing approximately 1.5 billion cookies annually. The factory has the most productive oatmeal cookie production lines in Russia. The automation level is already 95%, and the factory expects to achieve full automation in the near future. Lyubimy Kray is actively developing industrial tourism, and in just four years has managed to transform it into an independent and successful commercial project. Last year alone, 13,500 people visited the factory, the highest number in the Leningrad Region and one of the best in Russia. The factory actively collaborates with the Leningrad Region Economic Development Agency and was one of the first to join the "Cool Location" program. Such high results were achieved through a comprehensive approach and significant investment: a dedicated museum-laboratory space was created to welcome guests, and a dedicated staff was created to develop this area. Management's personal commitment also played a significant role. According to CEO Alexey Medvedev, he increasingly finds himself serving not only as the head of the factory but also as an ambassador for industrial tourism in the Leningrad Region. Edvard Gornostaev, First Deputy CEO of JSC "KO Lyubimy Kray," explained how developing industrial tourism allows for the creation of an emotional connection between the brand and the consumer, addressing personnel issues through career guidance programs, and sharing experiences with colleagues from other regions and countries. Lyubimy Kray is also establishing international cooperation within this area: the company regularly receives official delegations from Belarus, and company representatives participate in international exhibitions, where they exchange experiences with colleagues from various countries and industries. Furthermore, plans are underway to expand cooperation with the Committee for External Relations of the Leningrad Region, which will facilitate the further development of international contacts. During the meeting, participants discussed how to generate demand for such specialized tours and pricing for professional groups. It was also noted that in the industrial tourism sector, competing companies practice a unique approach to openness: they willingly share their developments and know-how, thus creating a "common pool" of successful practices. While the direct implementation of other companies' methods is not always possible due to the specific nature of various industries, such practices provide a powerful impetus for development, stimulating healthy competition and ultimately promoting the growth of related industries. This open exchange of experience allows for the improvement of the entire system and enhances the professional climate within the region!

The AERLO team participated in the 6th Sustainable Development Forum in Kamchatka, organized by the Kamchatka Krai Development Corporation. At the roundtable discussion "Investment Attraction Strategy: Municipal Level," participants discussed how to develop investment activities in the regions, reduce administrative barriers, and improve the efficiency of development institutions. Various practices of interaction between regional and municipal authorities and investors were examined. Today, corporations and development agencies are becoming key investment policy operators, providing businesses with a one-stop service. At the same time, the exchange of experience and best practices between different regions is playing an increasingly important role. Andrey Blokhin, Minister of Economic Development of Primorsky Krai, spoke about the implementation of the municipal investment standard and training programs for municipal teams. To improve the investment climate in Primorsky Krai, 11 roadmaps have been developed and nine executive authorities have been involved. The roundtable participants highly praised the "Green Corridor for Investors" system. Anna Chernova, Director of the Volgograd Region Investment Initiative (VRI), discussed the system's implementation in the Volgograd Region and how the Feedback Mechanism (FM) is proving useful for optimizing support processes. "The exchange of best practices between regions allows us to significantly reduce the time it takes to implement effective management decisions." Andrey Blokhin, Minister of Economic Development of Primorsky Krai. At the request of the organizers, Artagan Bersanov, Head of the Investment Infrastructure Development Department at the State Budgetary Institution "AERO", spoke about the 47th region's work with municipalities and announced a master class on the implementation of the "Green Corridor for Investors" system and the use of the digital service "Investor Personal Account" (IPA). The master class was held later as part of the roundtable discussion "Opportunities and Prospects for Strengthening the Investment Climate. Feedback as the Main Criteria." Feedback as the primary source of data for adjusting investment policy and management decisions Serafima Lebedeva, Development Director of Roxoft LLC, a CRM system developer, presented the "Green Corridor for Investors" system alongside Artagan Bersanov. Using real-life investor assistance cases, they demonstrated the functionality of the MOS within the LKI framework. The "Green Corridor for Investors" system has become a successful tool for comprehensive work with businesses, increasing trust in development institutions and government agencies. The implementation of the system in the Leningrad Region has improved the region's investment climate management process and more than tripled the number of projects accepted for support annually (from 35 to 123). As a result, AERLO currently supports approximately 30% of the combined investment portfolio of all investment development agencies and corporations in Russia. 318 projects are in the active implementation phase, and the total investment portfolio of active projects amounts to 6.5 trillion rubles. "The effectiveness of development institutions is determined not by the number of declared support measures, but by the results of implemented projects and investor satisfaction with the quality of support." Alexander Mylnikov, CEO of JSC Kamchatka Krai Development Corporation. Understanding investor needs and preferences is paramount. Dmitry Bogdanov, Vice President of the Business School of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), presented a report on "Municipal Work with Investors" at a seminar and training for development institutions and municipal investment commissioners organized by the National Association of Investment and Development Agencies (NAAIR). During the training, using Kamchatka Krai as an example, the participants discussed how to attract investment at the municipal level and analyzed common mistakes municipal representatives make when drafting investment proposals, compared with projects in other regions. The practical part focused on editing existing investment proposals and drafting new ones. "When proposing an investment platform, you need to focus on the investor's needs, not the characteristics of the platform itself." Dmitry Bogdanov, Vice President of the RSPP Business School. Transition from a Formal Approach to a Practice-Oriented Investment Policy Model Representatives of the Economic Development Agency also participated in the session "Round Table. National Leaders: Model Solutions and Best Practices for Developing the Investment Climate in Russian Regions." They discussed coordination between regional and municipal governments, developing a unified approach to working with investors, and reducing investors' non-financial costs through comprehensive project packaging. Primorsky Krai presented its successful "Investor Hour" initiative—regular meetings on investment project implementation chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Primorsky Krai Government for Economic Development. To improve

Today, a delegation consisting of Anastasia Mikhalchenko, Chair of the Leningrad Region Committee for External Relations and the "Cool Location" program curator, Yulia Mikhalskaya, First Deputy Chair of the Leningrad Region Committee for Economic Development and Industrial Development, and Sofia Chekhovich, Deputy Director of the State Budgetary Institution "Aerlo," visited the site of JSC Rosterminalugol. The company has been operating in the Leningrad Region for 30 years. It was this project in 1996 that laid the foundation for the development of the Ust-Luga Sea Trade Port. During this time, the company has come a long way, and through continuous modernization and automation of production and logistics processes, it has become one of the region's backbone enterprises. The main goal of the visit was to discuss the possibility of JSC Rosterminalugol's participation in the "Cool Location" program. The company has expressed interest in the project, so it is possible that another "Cool Location" will soon appear on the Leningrad Region's industrial tourism map.

The Volosovsky Municipal District is conveniently located in the southwest of the Leningrad Region. It is crossed by the M11 "Narva" federal highway and the strategically important Mga-Gatchina-Ivangorod railway line, which leads to the port of Ust-Luga. The district boasts developed agriculture, food processing, fertilizer production, and construction materials production. Several investment sites are available for new projects, including the Kikerino industrial zone. We offer your project in a location where economic efficiency, a resource base, and full government involvement create a unique investment ecosystem. This provides a solid foundation for mutual success. Sergey Ushakov is the Head of the Administration of the Volosovsky Municipal District of the Leningrad Region. Download the investment profile here.

Last year, the Baltic Regional Investment Forum attracted a record number of participants and couldn't even accommodate everyone! On September 10, we'll once again be hosting engaging discussions featuring leading Russian experts and discussing the most current trends with representatives of regional government and business. Save this date so you don't miss this key business event in the Leningrad Region!

That's how many eggs the Sinyavinskaya poultry farm, located in the Kirovsky District of the Leningrad Region, produced in one day. The farm is supported by the Agency for Economic Development. Another poultry farm from the Leningrad Region, Severnaya, is among the top five poultry farms in the country. Today, the Leningrad Region several times meets the region's needs for poultry products and is a leading supplier to both the Russian and international markets. In 2026, the 47th region plans to produce 4.1 billion eggs and 281,000 tons of poultry meat!

The public voting round for the National Tourism Award "Route Built" from the Komsomolskaya Pravda media group is ongoing until March 11. The award recognizes key events, top destinations, and the most interesting excursions. Nominees are those who are developing the tourism industry in our country and making travel within Russia more comfortable and enjoyable. The contestants who receive the most votes will advance to the finals. The jury will select the winners in March, and the awards ceremony will take place in April. To vote for the Cool Location program participants, follow one of the links below. You can vote for multiple contestants in different categories. Vyborzhets Agrofirm with the "World of Greenery" tour Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill with the "Mystery of the White Sheet" tour GALKA TOURS tour operator with the project "Opening Production: Exploration Tours in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region"

Today, at the "Boiling Point" conference, business representatives, HR specialists, and experts from the Leningrad Region Employment Center discussed new approaches to HR policy. Labor market reality: Unemployment in the Leningrad Region is 0.22% 5 vacancies per applicant Staffing needs by 2032: 30,000+ people annually We are focusing on internal resources to ensure the economy has the necessary number of qualified personnel. Veterans of the Air Defense Forces and their families. Motivated people who need jobs and adaptation. The Leningrad Region systematically supports their work with them. Young people completing their studies in Leningrad. The goal is not to wait for resumes, but to participate in training now. People with disabilities. A category that is often overlooked, but is nevertheless ready to be economically active.

The Vyborg District offers excellent opportunities for long-term business development. Some of the Leningrad Region's largest enterprises, such as the Vyborg Shipyard and the Svetogorsk Pulp and Paper Mill, operate here, while smaller companies develop successful innovative projects. Furthermore, the Vyborg District is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Leningrad Region and an ideal choice for implementing new, ambitious tourism projects. The Vyborg District of the Leningrad Region offers a range of unique competitive advantages. A robust port complex with three terminals in Vyborg, Vysotsk, and Primorsk, as well as its status as a border territory, offer excellent prospects for international cooperation and transit. The district's calling card and special resource is the country's only medieval museum town, Vyborg. Valery Savinov is the Head of the Administration of the Vyborg Municipal District of the Leningrad Region. You can view the investment profile by following this link.

The implementation of these principles in the region's work, the "ideal state" of service, and lean manufacturing tools were discussed by representatives of the Leningrad Region Government's economic bloc at the "School of Mayors." Read the detailed article on the website.

The third regional module of the "School of Mayors"—a federal program for developing municipal management talent pools—has launched in Vyborg. The program was launched in November 2023 at the direction of President Vladimir Putin and is being implemented by the Graduate School of Management of the Presidential Academy with the support of the Russian Presidential Executive Office. Egor Misheryakov presented the region's approach to strategic planning. Key principles: Measurability of each goal—transition to specific indicators Clear priorities—only targeted, verified areas, taking into account the interests of Leningrad residents and businesses Concrete actions and assigned responsibilities—to achieve results, a clear list of steps is outlined and personal responsibility for their implementation is established. Therefore, the Strategy for Socioeconomic Development of the Leningrad Region through 2036 is a carefully crafted, 77-page working document devoid of generalities. To effectively implement the Strategy, a cascade model is used, where global tasks (demography, tourism, technological sophistication of the economy) are successively broken down into executable blocks for various government bodies.

The region has launched a new format for working with municipalities: in-person meetings, which are changing the approach to municipal oversight. The first such strategic session was held in the Gatchina District. Representatives of the Committee for Economic Development and Investment Activities, as well as inspectors from local government bodies, participated. What are the benefits for entrepreneurs? The Leningrad Region is shifting its focus from blanket inspections to preventative measures. The meeting focused on how to use risk indicators to identify potential violations without unscheduled inspections, thereby saving businesses time and stress. Requirements are being standardized. The implementation of the "Inspector" mobile app, which will significantly simplify document flow for entrepreneurs, was discussed. The practice of in-person meetings is part of a larger effort to create a favorable business climate in the 47th region. In addition to the Gatchina District, similar strategic sessions will be held in the Vsevolozhsk and Lomonosov Districts in the first quarter of 2026.

Non-profit organizations ready to begin working with endowment capital or develop their existing endowment are welcome to participate. The competition offers participants the opportunity to enhance their organizational sustainability and secure stable funding for programmatic and administrative work. The maximum grant amount is 25 million rubles over three years, including a contribution of at least 10 million rubles from the Potanin Foundation to form or replenish the endowment. The Potanin Foundation will also provide the winners with additional educational, expert, and mentoring support. Leading organizations and experts in the field of non-profit and endowment management will participate in this process. Detailed information about the Competition is published on the Potanin Foundation website in the "Competitions" section. A video of an online meeting organized by the Potanin Foundation regarding the terms of the Competition and project preparation guidelines has also been posted. Presentation on the terms of participation in the Competition. For more information, please contact us: by calling our toll-free hotline: 8-800-444-29-34 by email: endowment@ngo-garant.ru The application deadline is March 16, 2026.