The VII International Conference "Russian Pulp and Paper Industry - New Realities, New Opportunities", organized by the Union of Timber Producers and Timber Exporters of Russia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation and the operator - the Association of Paper Industry Specialists (ASPI), was successfully completed in Istanbul. The event was held from November 30th to December 1st 2023 at the Shangri La Bosphorus Hotel with the participation of leading experts, heads of enterprises, government representatives and regional authorities.

The first day of the conference was devoted to market analysis, adaptation of enterprises to new conditions and development strategies. The panel discussion "Looking into the Future" highlighted the importance of export-oriented development and the need for "healthy" economic strategies. Oleg Bocharov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, emphasized the need to abolish export duties on pulp and paper products. In his opinion, this measure will lead to the strengthening of the industry's position in foreign markets and its development. Alla Sbitneva, Project Director of Sberbank PJSC, noted Sber's high involvement in the support and development of Russia's pulp and paper industry and outlined potential and promising niches for the development of new projects.

The second day of the conference was full of discussions on sustainable development and investments. Igor Yurgens, Professor and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at MGIMO, and Alexander Panfilov, Deputy Head of the Federal Forestry Agency, shared their views on global and domestic trends in sustainable development in Russia. ESG solutions for business and authorities, as well as UN programs were discussed.

Special attention was paid to the human resources issue in the industry. Natalia Scherbak, Head of the Department of Pulp, Paper and Forestry and Chemical Production at the Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, emphasized the shortage of specialists and the need to revise the training system. Sharp discussions were also held on the topic of investment strategies and finance, government support measures for the industry.

The culmination of the Conference was the awarding of the National Pulp and Paper Award 2023. As a reliable financial partner of the pulp and paper industry, making a significant contribution to its development, the award was given to PJSC Sberbank. Also, this year's awards were given to JSC Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill and JSC KAMA.

The organizers express their deep gratitude to the sponsoring companies of the conference: JSC "Arkhangelsk Pulp and Paper Mill", Hayat Holding, SBER Pro, SFT Group, "Papyrus", JSC "Solikamskbumprom", Lenor, Fesco for their active participation and appreciation of this event as a unique industry project.

The organizers would also like to thank all the participants of the conference for relevant and informative reports, sharp discussions, contributing to the formation of a consolidated industry policy, productive dialogue with the government, and as a result - the development of an optimal strategy for the industry in the near future.

The conference emphasized the importance of working together, sharing experience, information and innovative approach to overcoming challenges and identifying new opportunities for growth and development of the Russian pulp and paper industry.