Nikolayev Pledges a Billion Rubles for Economic Boost in the Far East Region
YAKUTSK, RUSSIA - The 2nd International Creative Industries Forum, aptly named "Created in the Far East: From Creativity to Economy," commenced in Yakutsk from May 29 to 31, 2025.
As per Yakutia's head, Aisen Nikolaev, the Forum is envisioned to inject at least 1 billion rubles into the Far East economy, serving as its primary objective.
Nikolaev underscored that alongside the development of resource-based industries, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) is prioritizing the expansion of its creative economy. The workforce in this sector has surpassed 45,000 individuals, with a targeted increase to 70,000 by 2030, as stipulated in a decree by the head. The core sectors driving the region's creative economy are information technology, film production, animation, and fashion.
The opening ceremony will feature a performance by the headliner of the forum, the Bashkir group Ay Yola, singing their popular song Homay.
The Forum, often attracting international attendees, aims to facilitate investment, forge partnerships, and exhibit the region's creative prowess on a global scale. By excellently presenting its digital arts, cultural heritage projects, and innovative technologies, Yakutia hopes to expand its international influence and explore export opportunities for local creative goods and services.
The event further aims to stimulate regional development by integrating the local economy with national and international trends, promoting tourism, knowledge transfer, and commercializing cultural assets. Additionally, experts, workshops, and interactive sessions during the Forum assist in nurturing local entrepreneurs and creative professionals, enhancing their competitiveness.
While specific economic figures have yet to be disclosed, the strategic goal is to enhance the creative economy through international exposure, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities. Key themes discussed in recent forums have centered on cross-regional cooperation, integrating digital and creative sectors, and elevating cultural and creative industries as engines for economic diversification. These efforts foster long-term economic resilience and diversification for the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).
- The forum, through international exposure and networking opportunities, targets finance to inject at least 1 billion rubles into Yakutia's economy, with a focus on expanding the creative economy.
- To boost the creative economy, Yakutia's education-and-self-development initiatives aim to foster local entrepreneurs and creative professionals, making them more competitive in the global sports, lifestyle, business, and technology sectors.
- By showcasing digital arts, cultural heritage projects, and innovative technologies, the forum endeavors to increase Yakutia's international influence, opening opportunities for the export of creative goods and services in various industries.
