On August 26, the Paldiski Entrepreneurs’ Association will organize a smart industry investment conference “Paldiski builds the future”, which will bring together entrepreneurs, top managers and experts. The conference, which will take place in Paldiski, will focus on how smart solutions in industry can help strengthen the Estonian economy and make the country a more attractive investment environment.
The annual investment conference “A Different Paldiski”, organized in cooperation with the Paldiski Entrepreneurs’ Association and its members – Lääne-Harju Municipality , Port of Tallinn , Alexela and Enefit Green, is taking place for the eighth time. This year, the focus will be on the role that smart industry can play in the development of the Estonian economy. The conference, titled “Paldiski is Building the Future”, will bring together entrepreneurs, top managers and experts to discuss regulations, energy choices and the investment environment, and to offer visions of how industry could become a driver of Estonian competitiveness and sustainable growth.
The conference will be opened by the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar. The first part of the conference will address the prerequisites for an industrial growth environment: European Commission representative Thor-Sten Vertmann will provide an overview of energy policy directions and the choices facing Estonia, while EIS representative Villem Vohu will talk about the prospects for energy-intensive industry. The topic will be concluded by a panel discussion, where Viljar Arakas, Jüri Raidla and Merle Kurvits will discuss the impact of regulations on Estonia’s business environment and competitiveness.
The focus will then turn to the Pakri Peninsula and Paldiski as a potential smart industry hub. Lääne-Harju Rural Municipality Mayor Jaanus Saat will introduce the region’s value proposition and lead a discussion, with Alexela major owner Heiti Hääl , Port of Tallinn Board Chairman Valdo Kalm and EIS Board Chair Ursel Velve taking part . Energiasalve co-founder and CEO Peep Siitam will introduce the role of the hydro storage facility being built in Paldiski in the future energy system of the Pakri region and the whole of Estonia. Ukrainian energy expert Serhii Nazarenko will also bring his perspective , speaking about the importance of energy security and Ukraine’s experiences in protecting energy infrastructure.
The final part of the conference day will look to the future: Swedbank Chief Economist Tõnu Mertsina will share an analysis of the effects of the global economy on Estonian industry, and Port of Tallinn Board Member Rene Pärt will share practical experiences in attracting industrial investments to Estonia. The conference will conclude with a panel discussion “How will industry in Estonia return to growth?”, featuring Minister of Economic Affairs and Industry Erkki Keldo, Enefit Green Board Chairman Juhan Aguraiuja, LHV Pank CEO Kadri Kiisel, and EIS Board Chairman Erkki Raasuke.
The annual conference “A Different Paldiski” is the only international investment conference outside Tallinn, providing an environment for the exchange of new ideas and strengthening cooperation networks. The conference will take place in Paldiski, at Pakri 7, in the conference tent on the square in front of the Sports Center, from 10 am to 5 pm. The detailed program can be found here.
