[ferro-alloys.com]The Company seeks to develop partnership with small and medium enterprises in the Trans-Baikal Territory, relying on cooperation with the regional authorities.

The respective agreement has been signed today on the sidelines of the St Petersburg International Economic Forum by Elena Bezdenezhnykh, Nornickel’s Vice President, and Natalya Zhdanova, Governor of the Trans-Baikal Territory.

The agreement calls for cooperation between the Company and the regional government to support small and medium-sized enterprises and develop partnership with industrial organisations. In particular, the parties plan to jointly develop measures to support SMEs, encouraging them to become potential suppliers of goods and services to Nornickel. In addition, the regional authorities and the Company will seek to develop a training framework that will nurture talent to meet Norilsk Nickel’s future demand for human resources.

“The agreement provides a framework for supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and engaging them in the operations of the newly launched Bystrinsky GOK,” said Natalya Zhdanova during the signing ceremony. “These new opportunities are an important contribution to the economic development of the Trans-Baikal Territory.”

Elena Bezdenezhnykh noted that Norilsk Nickel has a strong demand for quality goods and services that Trans-Baikal businesses can supply to Bystrinsky GOK. “The regional government has provided an investment platform for signing such contracts, and we believe that small and large businesses can work together effectively to supply Bystrinsky GOK with everything needed for its ongoing operations and development. This also means more tax revenues and new jobs. Such agreements are a small step towards implementing a wider national investment policy.”

• [Editor:王可]