The annual investment conference of the Paldiski Entrepreneurs’ Association “Different Paldiski” focused on industrial development this year. The conference, titled “Paldiski is Building the Future”, emphasized that a stable and predictable development course is a prerequisite for the progress of the Estonian economy. This is especially important in the case of energy policy – a long-term direction provides confidence and creates the prerequisites for bringing large industrial investments to Estonia.
Heiti Hääl, a member of the Paldiski Entrepreneurs’ Association and a major owner of Alexela, emphasized that in business, both risks and opportunities must always be taken into account. According to him, companies expect from the state, above all, stable and predictable policies that would not change during the payback period of projects. “Election cycles are short, but investments require long-term certainty,” said Hääl. He added that the state could consider guarantee mechanisms that would give investors a similar sense of security as a bank offers its clients – helping to implement good ideas even in situations where entrepreneurs themselves lack capital.
Juhan Aguraiuja, Chairman of the Board of Enefit Green, noted that the energy sector is currently experiencing great confusion and the most costly has been indecision. The experience of neighboring countries shows that adopting a long-term plan and consistently implementing it brings results. “Political winds and constant changes of direction scare away investments. A reliable business environment requires meaningful analysis, transparent and reasoned decisions and involvement,” Aguraiuja emphasized. If companies could agree on common messages among themselves, this would make the dialogue with the state easier and help reach a social agreement, according to Aguraiuja.
The need for united action was also highlighted by Valdo Kalm, Chairman of the Board of the Port of Tallinn. According to him, Estonia must think as “Team Estonia”, where the state, companies and local governments act for a common goal. “The motivation package offered to investors should be personal and must be supported by the company, the EIS and the government,” he stressed. At the same time, Kalm pointed out that local governments also play an important role, as they can give investors a clear signal with quick and unobstructed procedures that they are welcome in the region. “But everything starts with people – if we want to attract smart industry, we must offer engineers and specialists a dignified living environment.” Kalm considers Estonia’s trump cards to be digitalization, high digital competence and a transparent business culture.
The municipality’s view on the example of Paldiski was shared at the conference by the head of Lääne-Harju municipality, Jaanus Saat. Saat pointed out that the city has all the prerequisites to become a unique industrial center in Estonia operating on renewable energy. “We have everything for this – sea, rail and road connections create a logistical advantage. The planned facilities, from a water storage and solar park to an LNG terminal and multifunctional infrastructure, will make a significant contribution to the country’s energy security and will allow investments from various industries to be brought here,” he explained. Saat added that the presence of renewable energy is a great advantage for energy-intensive sectors, such as the defense, aerospace, chemical and mechanical engineering industries. At the same time, efforts are also being made to develop the living environment – new residential buildings, educational opportunities, jobs and good connections to Tallinn make Paldiski an attractive place to live.
The Paldiski Entrepreneurs’ Association unites companies in the region to develop the Pakri Peninsula into an important industrial center of the Baltic Sea. The “Different Paldiski” conference is the only international investment event outside Tallinn that brings together experts and opinion leaders to discuss future-oriented solutions. This year, the conference, which was held for the eighth time, was organized in cooperation with Lääne-Harju Municipality, Port of Tallinn, Alexela and Enefit Green.
The author of the conference images is Olga Makina.
