The Murmansk Region authorities have decided to establish a new Ministry of Arctic and Economic Development in the regional government.

“We are establishing the Ministry of Arctic and Economic Development of the Murmansk Region by merging two agencies – the Ministry of Investment and the Ministry of Economic Development. Tatiana Russkova, the acting Minister of the Economy of the Murmansk Region, will head the new ministry,” said Governor of the Murmansk Region Andrei Chibis at the regional government meeting.

According to the governor, the key goal of the new ministry will be a well-coordinated effort to increase investment in the economy of the Murmansk Region and to create new skilled and high-paying jobs.

The changes will also affect the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Murmansk Region which will become responsible for the fishing industry. Vice-Governor  Dmitry Filippov will supervise this ministry.

In addition, a separate committee on youth policy will be established within the regional government. It will be separated from the Ministry of Sport and Youth Policy.