ProgramKey topic of the forum Business Forum "1520 Strategic Partnership" is a unique communication ground, aimed to promote business links between partners in the "broad" track. Regional forums held between annual meetings in Sochi play a significant role in performing this global mission as aim to develop strategic business dialogue in the four macro regions of the “1520 area": Central Asia, Caucasus, Eastern Europe and the Baltics. The Forum "1520 Strategic Partnership: Baltic region” is an essential element of this work and aims to focus on the most topical problems, the Baltic transport complex faces. February 8
15.20Registration of participants
20.00Welcome cocktail for participants and honored guests of the Forum
February 9
10.00Plenary session
Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia 11.00Coffee-Break
11.30Panel Discussion №1
Realization of the transport potential of "the 1520 Area": synergistic breakthrough today as a response to the challenges of the future
Despite the reduced freight volumes as a result of the global economic downturn, the Baltic region remains a key element of the Eurasian Economic Cooperation and as such is particularly important for all the partners in the "broad" track. However, the significant competitive advantages and huge transit potential of the region cannot by themselves ensure its sustainable development in the long run. Being the European window for “the 1520 Area" the region needs a strong synergetic momentum which can only be brought about by the consolidated effort of all the members, the upgrade of the railway infrastructure, the introduction of innovations and efficient cooperation of the elements of the transport system of the region. What are the mechanisms for achieving increased efficiency? What opportunities will it open for the Members of Partnership “the 1520 Area"? What factors will be determining? Are all elements of the whole developing in balance to ensure the increased efficiency of the system in the future? Understanding the key trends in the long-term development will allow minimize future risks and focus on the effective implementation of the strategic potential of the Baltic region.
Moderator: Participants: 13.30Lunch 15.00Brainstorming
“1520 area”: 10 steps towards effective partnership on the Baltics
Under the present conditions, competition between different routes and modes of transportation as well as market factors not only give a stimulus for increasing efficiency, but also deter consolidation of market participants in terms of realization of the transport capacity of the "1520 area". The existing situation requires combination of vectors of market players’ activities. Joint development of specific steps would form an efficient tool for integration of interests and actions of the member-states, and give a target-value impulse to the future initiatives of the "1520 Strategic Partnership". Participants: 20.00Gala reception on behalf of Kaido Simmermann, Chairman of the Board of Estonian railway February 10
10.00Round Table №1
Integration potential of the transport system of the Baltic region
Economic growth in the most developed countries is the market signal and stimulus for the restoration of trade between the countries of the Asian-Pacific region and Western Europe. These trends indicate the customers are already prepared to increase the consumption of products and services, including those produced by the transport industry. "The 1520 Area" Partnership should response to it with the proposal of quality and competitive product in safe and fast freight delivery. Realization of the integration potential of the transport system of the Baltic region will enhance the market attractiveness of services and thus ensure success in the struggle for the client.
Moderator: Participants: Round Table №2
Cargo flows market differentiation in the Baltic region: mechanisms, opportunities, prospects
The competitiveness of the transport system of the Baltic region first of all depends on the quality of services provided. Winning the competition for more freight is only possible by creating the most favorable conditions for the client. In this respect the correspondence of freight rates and service quality to the shippers’ expectations, as well as flexible adaptation of existing and new products to current market requirements would be the decision making factors. Thus the interaction of the key market players in the sphere of efficient distribution of freight flows, tariff regulation and development of quality variability of the services of transport companies acquire particular importance.
Moderator: Participants: 11.30Coffee-Break 12:00Panel Discussion № 2
What infrastructure is required for enhancing the competitiveness of the Baltic transport system?
Integrated infrastructure development and offering new transport products is one of the key conditions for enhancing the competitiveness of "the 1520 Area". Fulfilling the immense transit potential of the railway infrastructure by offering integrated multi-modal service will create opportunities for quality development of the export potential of the dynamically developing countries of the Asia-Pacific region and will become a key factor to bring about more freight volumes. Ultimately, improving the competitiveness of logistics infrastructure in the Baltic region will not only allow win the competition for freight volumes, but will become an immediate factor in overcoming the consequences of the crisis and ensuring the growth of national economies.
Moderator: Participants: 14.00Closing Ceremony
Participants:
Boris Lapidus, Senior Vice-President, Russian Railways Kaido Simmermann, Chairman of the Board - Executive Director, Estonian Railways |
The letters of support
 Vladimir Yakunin, JSC Russian Railways On behalf of the Board of JSC Russian Railways, I would like to welcome the delegates, guests and organizers of the II International regional rail business forum "1520 Strategic Partnership: Baltic region"!  Kaido Simmermann, Estonian Railways Ltd. Joining forces to improve the efficiency of the whole system will enable us to maximize our core competitive advantages, which are the historical transport links and a common technological platform - the 1520 mm gauge. |