International Logistics Conference in Samara
Development of Transport Infrastructure as a Driving Force in Creating Investment Opportunities in Samara Region

In September 2007, acting as a sub-contractor PIBD made arrangements and run an International Logistics Conference in Samara that was organized by the Government of Samara Region. Among the key-note speakers were the newly appointed Governor Vladimir Artyakov, Deputy Chairman of the Federal Agency for Management of Special Economic Zones Maksim Bystrov, Minister of Transport of Samara Region, Boris Ardalin, Chairman of Samara Region Duma Victor Sazonov, Chairman of Executive Committee of CIS Council of Ministers of Transport Chengiz Izmailov and other dignitaries. The Conference was attended by over 400 delegates representing 10 foreign countries and 12 subjects of the Russian Federation.

On opening the Conference, Vladimir Artyakov stressed that the selection for the venue to host such a high-level event was not accidental as Samara had all the prerequisites to be considered a large logistics center in Russia. Moreover, said the Governor, Samara enjoys advantageous geographic position, is known for high rate of economic development and is supported by government bodies. As a follow up to the Governor’s statement, Chegiz Izmailov, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Coordination Council of ministers of transport of CIS highlighted that the choice in favor of Samara was determined by the fact that two large transport corridors run through its territory, the first from North to South is the main freight flow engaging many near abroad countires such as Bulgaria, Ukraine, Byelorussia and Central Asian countries while the second from East to West is the key freight flow for the European countries including Germany, France, Great Britain, and Byelorussia.

Conference delegates which included members of the CIS Transport Coordination Council, delegations from several European countries, regional representatives of the Volga (Privolzhsky) Federal District, representatives of federal and regional ministries and departments, financial institutions, domestic and foreign transport and logistics companies have examined the most attractive investment projects aimed to develop transport infrastructure in Samara Region such as the construction of motor road Centre-Volga-Urals crossing the region with a bridge over the Volga river, modernization and reconstruction of Kurumoch airport facilities, development and construction of transport flows consolidation centre for processing cargo and containers. According to experts, the logistics centre will help to address logistics need nor only of Samara region but also of the whole country. Especially, this centre operations will be helpful to raise the quality of services provided to operators of both domestic and international cargo flows, will attract additional cargo flows passing through the region, increase the level of containerization and give new impetus to the development of river ports.

The works have already started in the international airport Kurumoch. In 2006 the Federal Agency for civil aviation under the Ministry of Transport has approved the cost estimate for the investment project Reconstruction and Modernization of International Airport Kurumoch. During the Conference the airport senior executives have made presentations on a number of improvements such as the development of airport terminal, biometric control systems, construction of airfields for planes and helicopters, as well landing grounds, development of interregional passenger transportation, and introduction of laser controlled landing system Glide -04.

Six frame agreements with prospective investors have been signed at the Conference. Among the companies which endorsed agreements were a Swiss firm ASCOM, Kuibyshev Railways, Coordination Committee of Ministers of Transport of CIS, JSC Samara River Port, JSC Toliatti River Port, and JSC Syzran River Port. It has to be noted that ASCOM signed two Protocols of Intentions. According to the first the Swiss company will develop the urban control system of passenger buses circulation and the second agreement envisaged that the company would contribute to the development of urban transportation system.

Many companies have presented stands with interesting expositions. The exhibitors included the Ministry of transport of Samara Region, Airport Kurumoch, ASCOM, Kuibyshev Railways, Russian Logistics Service, Yugoria Insurance Company, and Hempel Ltd, among others.

The delegates were offered an exciting sightseeing program that included a City Tour, cruise on the Volga and a visit to Stalin’s bunker. We are expressing our appreciation to Chegiz Izmailov, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Council of ministers of transport of CIS, who acting in the capacity of Chairman of the Conference Steering made a significant contribution to bring this project to a successful completion.

The management of PIBD is thanking all colleagues and partners who made this project a real success story.