On February 16-17, the Russian Government's Analytical Center in Moscow will host the second international conference, "The Arctic: Shelf Projects and Sustainable Development of the Regions (The Arctic-2017)."

The participants will focus on key issues of socio-economic development of the Arctic and Far Eastern regions, the development of the Russian shelf, regulatory support for shelf projects, and global experience in geological exploration and drilling in the Arctic.

Other priority issues will include environmental safety of the Arctic, energy and utilities above the Arctic Circle, developing the regional telecommunications infrastructure, transport and logistical support for Arctic projects, creating a favorable investment climate and promoting international cooperation.

Expected to take part in the conference are Deputy Russian Minister of Energy Kirill Molodtsov, President of the Russian Oil and Gas >Industrialists' Union Gennady Shmal, Director of the Department for Development of Interregional and Cross-Border Cooperation at the Russian Ministry of Economic Development Rafael Abramyan, as well as top managers of major Russian and international oil and gas, energy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, transportation, utility and financial companies, and experts from leading research centers, public organizations and industry associations.