Etelä-Karjala − South Karelia Senior Advisor Anu Talka 6.6.2014 South Karelia • Lies next to the Russian border in South East Finland and in the eastern border of European Union. • New cultural and economical influences have always affected the areas along the border. • A mixture of high-tech industry, growing business, commerce and beautiful natural environment. • The existence of the border has recently afforded possibilities of economic growth and shaped the structure of the border region's economy. • European Union has provided some tools for this co-operation. South Karelia Lake Saimaa, other great lakes and the water system of River Vuoksi have had a significant impact on the climate and environment of South Karelia, including settlement and the development of industries and business life. The region is a combination of green, rugged lake landscapes with industrial plants, increasing traffic and expanding business centers surrounded by forests. South Karelia • The third smallest region in Finland measured by population (132 252 inhabitants in the end of 2013). • Lappeenranta and Imatra subregions. • Lappeenranta University of Technology and Saimaa University of Applied Sciences. South Karelia • Strong forest industry area. • Structural change in economy and industry has lead to lost jobs. • South Karelia has benefitted from the Russians’ shopping tourism a great deal. • Some of the lost industrial jobs have been compensated by jobs in service sector. • Trade, tourism and traffic keep up the positive attitudes. • Some new raising industries foreseen: energy and environment (cleantech), packaging technology, robotics, health tourism and wellbeing and food producting Partners in the Border • South Karelia population 132 252 • St Petersburg and Leningrad • Area 7 612 km² region popu la tion 6 565 568 • Towns Lappeenranta (72 130) • Area 86 515 km² and Imatra (28 465) • Towns St Petersburg (4 848 700), Vyborg (80 000), Svetogorsk (16 000) and many others Cooperation in Culture • In museums – Exhibitions and lending work of arts and historical objects – Finnish-Russian museum conferences – Projects (Castle to castle), museum pedagogy and other exchange of staff • In music – Concerts and appearances – Courses and training • The Young – Meetings and events – Cooperation of Schools, Art Schools and different kind of culture groups and associations Challenges and hindrances on the way Economical, cultural, bureaucratic and organizational challenges • Different structures of administration • Cultural differences • Economical differences • Lack of valid or proper contacts • Instability and situations that change • Human and economical resources are not adequate • Bureaucratic obstacles • Inadequate langgguage skills Border crossing Travellers from Russia to South Karelia Monthly average of travellers Imatra Lappeenranta Etelä-Karjala The Regional Council of South Karelia • Joint municipal authority with 9 member municipalities • Politically elected representatives in the assembly and board • Statutory responsibility for regional development and land use planning • Preparation, implementation and coordination of national and EU’s regional policy programs •Preppgparation of the regional land use plan • Joint Managing Authority of South East Finland – Russia ENPI CBC Programme Reggpgyional development strategy • Diversify the economic structure. •Deeeoptetousadsecesotoustsvelop the tourism and services for tourists. • Maintain a clean and safe environment. • Generate new business branches in the forest industry cluster. • Support knowledge-based new enterprises and jobs arising from research and development activities in the university and existing companies (energy and environment). • He lp to crea te hig h leve l o f e duca tion an d supp ly s kille d wor k force. • Increase the amount of population. • Guarantee the well-being of population by proper public services. → The aim is to create a good place to live, study and work. Thank you for your attention! Ms. Anu Talka Senior Advisor The Regional Council of South Karelia [email protected] www.ekliitto.fi.