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."

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2010 06 18                                                   11:35 a.m.