Executive Council
June 18, 2010
Premier Has Productive
Meetings in Russia, Establishes Key Contacts
Exploring areas of common interest,
building relationships and studying emergence from the global economic
crisis were the highlights of a trip to Saint Petersburg, Russia this
week by the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and
Labrador. The Premier was in Russia attending the Saint Petersburg
International Economic Forum (SPIEF), held from June 17 to 19.
"This trip represented an excellent
opportunity not only to promote Newfoundland and Labrador on the
international stage, but also to establish key contacts in areas of
common interest with the Russians," said Premier Williams. "The
conference focused heavily on financial realities as we emerge from the
world recession. It was particularly interesting to hear the perspective
of the President of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Medvedev, who
discussed his country's modernization plan. It included many of the
steps our government initiated over the past several years, including
tax cuts, debt reduction, broadband access, focusing on innovation and
R&D, focusing on energy efficiency and improving the investment
climate."
The Premier stated that he was pleased to
share with officials the success that Newfoundand and Labrador has
enjoyed over the past seven years, and specifically the resilience with
which the province faced the world-wide economic recession. Premier
Williams had several worthwhile meetings while in Russia. In addition to
participating in the SPIEF sessions, the Premier met with Dmitry
Dmitrienko, the Governor of Murmansk; Sergei Averin, the Minister for
Economic Development for the Archangelsk region; officials with the
Institute of Arctic and Antarctic Research; and, Deputy Chairman,
Alexander Ivanovich Medvedev, Gazprom (Russian energy giant, currently
preparing to develop Shtokman, the world's largest offshore gas field).
"We are both northern jurisdictions and
deal with similar climates and harsh weather and environment issues; and
we both rely heavily upon our energy sectors, in particular offshore
projects," added Premier Williams. "It was very informative to meet with
the Institute of Arctic and Antarctic Research and to hear about their
work with ice management and how to overcome harsh arctic environments,
for example. Given the substantial expertise in this area within our
province, there are great opportunities to share information and
cooperate in the area of research and development. We also agreed to
pursue the potential for a student exchange between our two
jurisdictions."
Some facts about Russia:
- is known as an energy superpower;
- has the world's largest natural gas
reserves;
- has the world's eighth largest oil
reserves;
- has the world's second largest coal
reserves;
- is the world's leading natural gas
producer and exporter;
- is the world's second largest oil
exporter;
- is among the largest oil producers
in the world (along with Saudi Arabia);
- is the fourth largest electricity
producer in the world; and,
- is the fifth largest renewable
energy producer in the world.
"Anytime we have an opportunity to expose
the international community to Newfoundland and Labrador, it is a good
thing," said Premier Williams. "As we continue to emerge as a recognized
player in the energy industry, our government remains committed to
promoting all that we have to offer and to seek opportunities for
growth."
Photo: The Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, met with Dmitry Dmitrienko, Governor of Murmansk, while in Russia to attend the June 17 to 19 Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum.
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2010 06 18
11:35 a.m.
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