In recent years, increasing worldwide attention becomes the so-called “Arctic sea route”, which in Russia connects Europe and Asia.
In connection with global warming, the thickness of Arctic sea ice in summer has decreased by almost half. It is assumed that the remaining half of the ice will virtually disappear within the next 50 years.
This prospect, of course, a matter of serious concern. But if it is viewed from the business point of view, it promises to bring huge benefits. As for the navigation of vessels is fully opened passage in the Arctic, which is 1/3 shorter route through the Suez canal, and considerably more economical from the point of view of time and necessary expenses.
among other things, the area of the Arctic seas is a pantry of natural resources. It is expected that in coming years there will develop a large-scale work on their exploration and development. Introduced by Russia into operation last year in Yamal capacity production and shipping of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are the largest in the world.
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Today, Russia under President Putin is implementing the arrangement of the Arctic sea routes and the development of the Arcticx natural resources as an important component of national strategy. After Russia, bordering the Arctic seas and adjacent to them the state is also connected to this process. Japan is also included in this group of States. Last year the whole world was surprised by China, which announced the strategy of “Arctic silk road”, which intended to secure Chinese interests in the region. In this context, the US and Japan should develop a new line in the Arctic.
build new port facilities are being put into operation new airports
In the capital of the Kamchatka region Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, acquiring the status of a Russian Asian Outpost on the Arctic sea routes, at the same time carrying out large infrastructure projects. In 2024, they plan to open a new LNG terminal, to expand the existing port facilities, giving them international status and expand to the international level, the existing regional airport. The city and its surroundings are famous for beautiful nature, so the local government to vigorously develop tourism here.
However, the population of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is only 180 thousand people, and the Kamchatka Peninsula, only 300 thousand. The capabilities of this Russian region in the implementation of the various projects alone is still limited.
Our advantage is proximity to the edges
In October 2018 as part of a large delegation of Japanese businessmen and scientists from Hokkaido, I visited Kamchatka. There was an active exchange of views with representatives of local authorities and businesses on development of the regional economy, cooperation in the field of industry, the revival of tourism, etc. Then I acutely feel how high the Russian and Japanese sides opportunities for cooperation and cooperation.
From Kamchatka to Hokkaido only 1600 miles. It’s about the same distance that separates us from the Prefecture Kagoshima in Kyushu. From a purely geographical point of view, Hokkaido can play a big role in the development of Kamchatka, and it is hoped that it will manifest in the future. Personally, I would like to the maximum extent to promote the use of the benefits that can give our bilateral business relations.
In November this year in Tokyo will host an international meeting of science Ministers of various States on Arctic issues. Simultaneously will be held the “Japanese Arctic forum”. Both events give Japan the opportunity to demonstrate to the world its intentions in the Arctic. At the same time, they will allow our Hokkaido to Express their desire to sign new business opportunities, which are defined by our proximity to the Arctic region. I wish this year was for Hokkaido “the first year of the era of the great Arctic route”.
Eisaku Nakamura — President of the society “Hokkaido in the twenty-first century” and Director of the eponymous research Institute. The Institute was established in 1973. Currently has offices in Sapporo and Tokyo. Among the founders of the Institute’s main electric power company Hokkaido “Hokkaido denriko the” gas distribution company “Hokkaido Gus” large Bank “Hoque Ginko”, shipping company “North Pacific”, insurance company “Hokua Hokan” and others. Institute and the society has a large research and public work to promote the interests of Hokkaido in Japan and in the international arena.
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