October 4, 2006

The Okrug Governor’s press-service informs:

The working visit of the official delegation of Ugra to St.Petersburg was started with signing two important agreements for both constituent entities of the Federation.

The first document, signed by the governors Alexander Filipenko and Valentina Matvienko, is aimed at strengthening the mutually beneficial cooperation in the commercial, economic and scientific and technical spheres, culture and sports, development of high technologies and higher school.

In accordance with the second agreement the parties form the working group which is tasked to develop necessary normative acts about the creation of the Russian oil stock-exchange. It is expected to be located on two sites - in Khanty-Mansiysk and St.Petersburg.

Commenting on the signed agreements, Valentina Matvienko said: "We are united by not only northern latitudes but the fact that both dynamically-developing regions are extremely important for the country’s economy. We often wait for investments from the West and do not use powerful potential of our regions. Ugra is indeed the stronghold of Russia and I am confident that our experts will be able to find the most perspective directions of mutual cooperation".

Alexander Filipenko said that "close links between Ugra and Saint Petersburg have existed for several decades but today they need a new impulse". The Okrug is ready to accept researchers, to attract high-rank experts to other branches of economy and social speher.

Governor of St.Petersburg assured that next year the big delegation of representatives of business and science will arrive at Ugra.

October 4, 2006

The Okrug Governor’s press-service informs:

Governor, Chairman of the Ugra Government Alexander Filipenko participated in the celebrations, devoted to the 15-th anniversary of the JSC "LUKoil", held in the towns which gave the name of the top Russian oil-producing company.

He together with President of the "LUKoil" Vagit Alekperov in Urai unveiled the monument for the legendary driller Semen Urusov who produced the first oil of West Siberia. Addressing to the employees of the company and townsmen Alexander Filipenko said: "Many achievements of Ugra oilmen are connected with the name of Semen Urusov: he is one of the first explorers of Shaim oil. A month ago the memorable "star" of Semen Nikitich was unveiled on the memorial in Khanty-Mansiysk where there are "stars" in honor of the most prominent people of Ugra. The 60-s and 70-s were the period of such people and created a reliable base for our worthy life. In September 2007 the nine billionth ton of oil will be produced in Ugra - how much labor, talent and persistence were given for that to come true! It is extremely important for people to remember the names of the first explorers and especially for the youth as they choose "people to copy their life" and such personalities are interesting and a bright example for imitation".

Alexander Filipenko and Vagit Alekperov with representatives of employees of the "LUKoil-Zapadnaya Sibir" laid flowers to the Eternal Flame at the Park of Glory. Then they had a meeting with children from the Center of support to kids left without parents’ custody and that day coincided with the birthday of the Center. The guests handed over gifts to children - a computer class and toys. Since this year the Center has been financed from the Okrug budget and the director Vasili Akrytov said that the Center does not have any problems about the employment of graduates.

The issues of social policy, the economic base of which is created by oilmen, became the main topic of Alexander Filipenko’s speech at the meeting with the employees of the JSC "Uraineftegas". Vagit Alekperov said that Governor takes an active part in the company’s activity and the newest history of oil production in Ugra is connected with him. The Okrug authorities considers the "LUKoil" to be a reliable and long-term partner in the development of social and economic infrastructure, increase of people’ life quality. Annually the company spends up to 250 million USD for these purposes in its regions. President of the company said that the agreement on social partnership initiated by the Ugra Government and "LUKOIL" have become a norm in Russia and is a tool for the Okrug towns’ development, turning them into real pearls of town-planning, places of people’s comfortable accommodation.

Then high guests visited Kogalym and unveiled a monument to another legendary oilman - Vitali Schmidt. At the Palace of Culture there was an awarding ceremony in honor of the best employees of the company. By Decree of President of Russia the Vice-President of the JSC "LUKOIL", Director General of the JSC "LUKOIL-Zapadnaya Sibir" Nikolai Inyushin was awarded with Medal of Friendship for high achievements and long service. On behalf of 40 ths. staff of the Ugra Lukoil company Alexander Filipenko, Governor of the "the most advanced region of Russia" was awarded with a special diploma for great personal contribution into the development of oil industry.

"I am happy that everywhere I go in Russia and beyond I meet leaders and experts who have grown in our Ugra. "LUKOIL" has become a forge of professionals. I always feel your support - thank you!", - said Governor.