"We will develop cooperation with our eastern partners on the Kola territory," Chibis stated after the meeting of the Russian-Japanese Council of Governors in Moscow. "The main areas of cooperation include the fishing industry, tourism, education and technology, including the smart city technology. Another task is to develop a master-plan for the city of Murmansk."
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The polar region of the Kola territory has enormous potential for cooperation with Japan, that has not been realized in practice just yet, Chibis added.
"Japan is one of the leading global economies, a technological leader, a country of rich history and culture," Chibis noted. "The Murmansk Region and Japan share a whole range of professional common grounds, from fisheries and fish processing to aquaculture and tourism. We should also keep in mind that Japan is an Arctic Council observer who is interested in participating in the global Arctic agenda. We are natural partners, and we can and must realize this potential for the sake of our mutual benefit."
"Back then, we implemented several interesting pilot projects, including testing Japanese smart traffic lights, "smart and healthy" homes and the technology for trenchless pipe repair (which allows the replacement of pipes without shutting the pipeline down and digging up half the city)," the acting governor explained.
