The development of inland waterways in Russia and their full use have recently acquired an important socio-economic character. Increasing the role of rivers in creating a competitive transport system for cargo transportation, ensuring the connectivity of Russian territories, developing river tourist routes, and renovating coastal areas are the щиоусешмуы for the coming years.

The infrastructure projects planned within the framework of the Strategy for the Development of Inland Water Transport are designed to increase the level of throughput and increase cargo traffic along inland waterways in Russia. The implementation of measures to modernize the track infrastructure, and the renewal of the cargo, passenger, and technical fleet will open up new opportunities for doing business on the river and in related areas.

The main focuses of the Forum business program:

▪ Implementation of federal projects to increase the throughput capacity of inland waterways;
▪ PPP in attracting investment in infrastructure modernization and fleet renewal;
▪ New shipbuilding: programs for the renewal of commercial, passenger, and special fleet;
▪ In search of interregional interests: generalization of regional experience in developing cargo and tourist routes, renovation of coastal areas;
▪ Increasing the status of inland waterways in the system of international transport corridors “North-South”, “Northern Sea Route”. Prospects for river ports in new conditions;
▪ Tasks of basin administrations for the maintenance and reconstruction of hydraulic structures and ensuring the safe operation of waterways. Issues of interaction with federal and regional authorities;
▪ Improvement of the regulatory framework: elimination of the legal vacuum, harmonization of the requirements of water, land and urban planning legislation.