City-Level Cooperation between Russia and Germany Dr. Andrea Gebauer Köln, 27.05.2014

City-Level Cooperation between Russia and Germany Dr. Andrea Gebauer Köln, 27.05.2014

Network of German Russian City Level Cooperation First partnerships developed already in the 1950s, e.g. between Hamburg and Saint Petersburg in 1957 High increase in 1980s during Perestroika Partnerships existing today: 93 German-Russian City-Level Cooperations 26 Town-Twinnings 26 regional partnerships The German-Russian Forum operates an Information Center of City Cooperations and organizes German-Russian Town-Twinnigs conferences http://www.deutsch-russisches-forum.de/index.php?id=47 Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 2

German Russian City Level Cooperationpriorities have changed Content and motives have changed: 1950-1980s: In focus: reconciliation, human encounters, humanitarian aid Today: Dialogue between civil societies, Youth, cultural and scientific exchanges, Municipal government, Environment protection etc. Economic cooperation is gaining in importance! Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 3

Competence Center Russia at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RKD) 1963 First activities of Düsseldorf Trade Fair in Moscow 1992 City-Cooperation between Düsseldorf and Moscow was established 1998 Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry became focal point for Russia among NRW-Chambers 2001 Foundation of the Competence Center Russia at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry as Public Private Partnership Partner: Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry City of Düsseldorf Düsseldorf Trade Fair German-Russian Chamber of Commerce Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 4

Our Competences: Concentrate the know how of the above mentioned partners to create synergies for our clients As a permanent contact point for companies RKD ensures sustainability and continuity of business development on the russian market, particularly for SME Network of regional administrations, chambers of commerce, business associations and companies in Russia contribute to the promotion of bilateral business contacts and provide investment promotion for Düsseldorf und North Rhine-Westphalia Dialogue at various levels remains possible also in politically sensitive periods! Political contacts between Düsseldorf and Moscow serve as door opener for business and as an umbrella for bilateral projects Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 5

Our Services: Advice and support German companies for development of business contacts with Russia Organisation of conferences and workshops on practical questions of business in Russia Issue of publications and newsletters Information about trade fairs and events Access to the network and know how of German-Russian Chamber of Commerce Support for russian companies, interested in business cooperation or investments in Düsseldorf/ NRW Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 6

Obstacles for cooperation with Russia On climate protection Russia is one of the largest CO2 producers and the world's number one exporter of fossil energy State Budget mainly depends on the energy-sector Diversification of russian economy and improvement of low energy efficiency are main priorities of the Russian Government International cooperations are essential, but the results are Main Problems still pure! Centralized approach - too much emphasis on federal institutions, ministries and presidential administration Decisions get blocked on the regional level, because the benefits to the region are not clear and lack of know how for implementation No lobby for energy efficiency, involving all players, including experts, NGOs and trade associations Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 7

Necessary support for effective cooperation on climate protection in the Russian building sector Creation of a solid legal framework and efficient mechanisms for their implementation including the possibility to launch pilot projects Public s awareness of the importance of climate protection must be created and set into practical action Development of financing tools for energy-saving renovation, including incentives to encourage the participation of the proprietors Establish adequate conditions and guaranties for the involvement of private investors Implementation of modern building technologies and training of specialists Formation of network between governmental and non-governmental organisations of both countries to create synergies Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 8

Summary Germany and Russia have a strong network of regional and citypartnerships In addition to the dialogue of civil societies city - partnerships become more important for bilateral economic cooperation International city cooperation can help to find answers to major challenges of the future like careful management of scarce resources, problems of infrastructure and mobility, energy saving renovation etc. Therefore a dialogue at eye level between Germany and Russia is essential, involving public, private and volountary organisations as well as citizens Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 9

Contact: Dr. Andrea Gebauer Head of Competence Center Russia at the Düsseldorf Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tel.: +49 211 3557-300 Fax: +49 211 3557-378 E-Mail: gebauer@duesseldorf.ihk.de, rkd@duesseldorf.ihk.de Dr. Andrea Gebauer, Leiterin des Russland Kompetenzzentrums Düsseldorf, c/o Industrie- und Handelskammer Düsseldorf 10