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            [ID] => 9426
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            [post_date] => 2025-10-31 10:48:17
            [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-31 07:48:17
            [post_content] => 
The joint conference of the American Chamber of Commerce in Russia and the Pacific–Eurasian Business Alliance was held on October 28, 2025, under the theme “Business Resilience – Societal Resilience.”
The event brought together representatives of international companies, the expert community, and civil society organizations to discuss sustainable development practices and the impact of the global ESG agenda on business processes.
Anastasia Tsvetkova, Partner for International Communications and CSR Practice at Baikal Communications Group and Chief Executive Officer of the “Lake Baikal” Foundation, participated in the conference. Within the session “Global Goals and Local Solutions: Sustainable Development on the Threshold of 2030,” she delivered a presentation titled “COP 2025: Key Themes and Expectations.”
During the discussion, Ms. Tsvetkova emphasized that COP 30 marks several significant milestones: 30 years of climate negotiations within the UNFCCC framework, the 20th anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, and the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement. While COP 29 entered history as a financial summit, having resulted in an agreement on climate finance of at least USD 1.3 trillion per year by 2035, COP 30 is expected to be a turning point focused on resource allocation and the mechanisms for implementing the Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA).
From November 10 to 21, 2025, heads of state, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and civil society representatives will convene in Belém, Brazil, to develop measures to protect populations and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change and to establish transparent and equitable indicators for assessing progress on adaptation. The host country intends to pay particular attention to the ecosystem services of the Amazon, the development of the bioeconomy for mitigation and adaptation, and structural solutions to counter disinformation and climate change denial. Another important focus of COP 30 will be NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions). Although NDCs are not negotiated directly at COP, Brazil anticipates that countries will present updated commitments aligned with the 1.5°C target.
In her remarks, Ms. Tsvetkova also addressed the role of water as a central element of climate solutions, highlighting the contribution of freshwater systems to achieving the Paris Agreement goals. The discussion underscored the importance of the Lake Baikal Foundation’s participation in the Water for Climate Pavilion at COP 30 and its role in preparing an expert session on inland freshwater ecosystems (lakes, rivers, wetlands), which serve as a point of synergy among the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD) in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and sustainable land use development.
Baikal Communications Group continues to consistently advance its expertise in sustainable development and national strategic priorities, fostering a professional environment conducive to constructive dialogue among business, government, and society.
            [post_title] => BAIKAL COMMUNICATIONS GROUP PRESENTED A COP 30 OVERVIEW AT THE AMCHAM CONFERENCE
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            [ID] => 9422
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            [post_date] => 2025-10-29 19:20:06
            [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-29 16:20:06
            [post_content] => 
The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation has proposed the introduction of a score-based system for assessing the level of production localization for certain medical devices and rehabilitation equipment. The corresponding draft government decree has been published for public consultation and concerns amendments to Government Resolution No. 719. The new rules provide for the allocation of scores to technological operations and materials, as well as the establishment of minimum annual localization thresholds. The system is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2026.
As noted by Baikal Communications Group, these changes may significantly impact manufacturers of medical devices, particularly prosthetic and orthopedic products, where the share of imported components currently reaches up to 60%. The introduction of the score-based system will create both new opportunities and additional operational burdens for businesses.
“On the one hand, the focus on import substitution policies gives domestic and locally-based manufacturers advantages within public procurement mechanisms and stimulates the development of local production. On the other hand, it is important to take into account that confirmation of the localization status must be renewed on a regular basis. Registry entries are valid for 3–5 years, requiring companies to undergo the verification procedure periodically,” Baikal Communications Group emphasized.
In addition, manufacturers are required to submit annual reports on produced and marketed products no later than 1 April. Failure to comply may result in removal of the product from the register. At the same time, localization criteria themselves are subject to frequent revision, creating uncertainty and requiring flexibility in the modernization of production processes.
“It is crucial that the new system be implemented with maximum consideration of sector-specific factors. Market participants who were not involved in preliminary discussions now have the opportunity to submit their proposals before the close of the public consultation on 25 November. Broad involvement of interested stakeholders will help minimize business costs and enhance the effectiveness of integrating the new localization model,” Baikal Communications Group noted.
It bears recalling that a similar score-based localization confirmation system for the pharmaceutical sector will also enter into force on 1 January 2026. Its objective is to stimulate the expansion of the range of medicinal products manufactured within the Russian Federation and to support the technological development of companies.
More details are available in Pharmvestnik
            [post_title] => Score-Based Localization Assessment to Be Introduced for a Number of Medical Devices
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            [post_date] => 2025-10-28 14:53:10
            [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-28 11:53:10
            [post_content] => Eduard Voytenko, Ph.D. in Political Science and Chief Executive Officer of Baikal Communications Group, delivered a presentation at the GR Seminar of the Center for Eurasian Cooperation entitled “Strategic Communications with Government Authorities: Practical Aspects of Interaction.”
In his address, “Effective Tools for Interaction with Government Bodies: How Businesses Can Strengthen Their Position within the Russian Institutional Environment,” Dr. Voytenko provided a detailed analysis of situations in which the need for Government Relations (GR) is particularly acute — including market entry, the creation or regulation of new industries, maintaining competitive market positions, removing barriers and excessive regulation, as well as operating under sanctions pressure and increased oversight of foreign investors.
Voytenko emphasized that modern GR activities extend far beyond communications with public officials and represent a comprehensive system of analytical and communication tools integrated into a company’s strategic management framework. Among the key internal GR instruments, he identified the monitoring of governmental initiatives, analysis of the political and regulatory environment, stakeholder mapping, development of GR strategies, and participation in rulemaking processes. External instruments include engagement within specialized platforms under governmental bodies, participation in business associations and development institutions, involvement in regulatory impact assessment (RIA) and legislative procedures, as well as the use of PR and event management tools.
Special attention was given to the role of media and digital instruments in GR. Voytenko noted that the media environment shapes the informational background that directly influences regulatory decisions. GR-related content, he stressed, must be concise, coherent, reflect the balance of interests between business and government, and be grounded in verified data. It is crucial that the business position be aligned with the state agenda and correlated with the goals and KPIs of public authorities.
In conclusion, Dr. Voytenko underscored that the government’s readiness for dialogue with business depends on mutual interest in minimizing managerial risks, improving the quality of public administration, and undertaking joint efforts to address strategic challenges — from localization and import substitution to intellectual property protection and the implementation of national projects.
Baikal Communications Group continues to foster a professional community in the field of GR and lobbying, sharing analytical and practical tools while promoting a culture of responsible and transparent interaction between business 
            [post_title] => Eduard Voytenko Speaks at the GR Seminar of the Center for Eurasian Cooperation
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    [3] => WP_Post Object
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            [ID] => 9413
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            [post_date] => 2025-10-23 18:36:10
            [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-23 15:36:10
            [post_content] => The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Russian Federation has proposed a tenfold increase in the rates for water abstraction from federally owned water bodies, starting in 2026. The initiative was commented on by Zhanna Logacheva, an expert in government relations and regulatory risk assessment at Baikal Communications Group, in an interview with Mashnews.ru.

“In addition to the tenfold increase, beginning in 2026 the rates will be indexed to the actual Consumer Price Index published by Rosstat, rather than to the deflator index of the Ministry of Economic Development. This may lead to a faster rise in payments than previously anticipated. It is important that regulatory measures take into account the specifics of individual industries and do not undermine the economic stability of enterprises,” noted Zhanna Logacheva, expert at Baikal Communications Group.
According to Logacheva, it would be advisable to consider a differentiated approach to water users, similar to the mechanism currently applied to utilities and power generation companies. Such a system would help balance the financial burden, encourage the adoption of water-saving technologies, and ensure efficient use of water resources without hampering industrial development.
Read more at Mashnews.ru.
            [post_title] => Ministry of Natural Resources Proposes Tenfold Increase in Industrial Water Abstraction Fees
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    [4] => WP_Post Object
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            [ID] => 9403
            [post_author] => 6
            [post_date] => 2025-10-21 18:36:53
            [post_date_gmt] => 2025-10-21 15:36:53
            [post_content] => 
From October 13 to 18, 2025, MGIMO hosted the training for the sixteenth cohort of participants in the advanced training program “Government Relations and Lobbying in Business and Non-Profit Organizations,” implemented by Baikal Communications Group in cooperation with the MGIMO School of Business and International Competencies.
Within the framework of the program, various aspects of Government Relations (GR) and lobbying activities in Russia and the EAEU countries were examined.
Topics included: building effective communication between business and public authorities under conditions of geopolitical uncertainty and sanctions regimes; GR in the context of sustainable corporate development and environmental protection; GR prior to IPOs and during M&A transactions; GR in public-private partnerships (PPP); cooperation with business and industry associations, expert and academic institutions, state corporations, and development institutes; as well as interaction with the Subcommission of the Government Commission on Monitoring Foreign Investments in the Russian Federation and the Subcommission on Customs, Tariff and Non-Tariff Regulation.
The core module of the program covered ethics and regulation of the GR and lobbying sphere; structure and KPIs of GR functions in private companies; internal and external GR and lobbying tools such as personal networking, written communication with public authorities, insider information, stakeholder mapping, GR and lobbying strategies, monitoring and analysis of the regulatory environment, assessment of regulatory risks and opportunities, industry and legal expertise of draft laws and other regulatory acts, use of PR tools and event management, as well as cooperation with lobbying firms and GR agencies, among others.
The program featured 23 guest experts, including:


 	
Denis Abdrakhmanov, Director of the Center for Legal Initiatives, Agency for Strategic Initiatives
 	
Irina Arkhipova, Professor at HSE University, Director for Corporate Relations and Sustainable Development, Kraft Heinz (Russia)
 	
Alexander Bashkov, Deputy Director, Vseinstrumenty.ru LLC
 	
Elena Bocherova, Executive Director, Cyberprotect
 	
Eduard Voytenko, PhD (Political Science), Associate Professor at MGIMO, CEO, Baikal Communications Group
 	
Ivan Voloshin, Managing Director, DOM.RF
 	
Maria Dronova, Director for Government Relations and Corporate Philanthropy, EVRAZ
 	
Anton Yeropkin, Director for Government Relations in Russia and the CIS, Olam Russia
 	
Roman Kletskikh, GR Director, NAUMEN; Chairman of the Board, RUSSOFT
 	
Dmitry Kononov, Head of GR, PJSC VimpelCom; State Counsellor of the Russian Federation, 3rd Class
 	
Sergey Krzhanovsky, Member of the Management Board, Director for Regional and Federal Government Relations, Rosvodokanal Group
 	
Dmitry Krokhmalev, Director for Government and Regional Relations, Engineering Division, Rosatom State Corporation
 	
Alexander Kudinkin, Head of Regulatory Affairs, Government Relations Directorate, Polymetal UK JSC
 	
Alexander Likhanov, CEO, Association “National Champions”
 	
Andrey Lyan, Director for Government Relations, Cargill Russia
 	
Anastasia Maletina, Head of Government Relations, VkusVill
 	
Alexander Moskovkin, Head of Legal Department, Rossiyskaya Gazeta
 	
Dmitry Polikanov, PhD (Political Science), Deputy Head, Rossotrudnichestvo
 	
Roman Timoshenko, Head of Division, Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation
 	
Kirill Tuzov, Government Relations Manager, Mindray Medical Russia
 	
Irina Fedorova, Vice President for Government Relations, Baltika Brewing Company LLC
 	
Anastasia Tsvetkova, CEO, Lake Baikal Foundation
 	
Artem Yulegin, Head of SME Advocacy Department, Department for Business Development, Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC)

Throughout the course, the speakers shared GR expertise drawn from various sectors of the economy and NGOs: GR in agriculture and the food industry, e-commerce and telecommunications, IT, mining and metallurgy, housing and utilities (HCS), GR and market access in pharmaceuticals, GR in retail, GR in state-owned enterprises and natural monopolies (particularly within the housing and utilities sector), GR in environmental NGOs, and other organizations.
Special emphasis was placed on the digitalization of GR processes within companies and on digital GR and lobbying tools.
A distinguishing feature of the 16th cohort was a series of practical workshops on assessing the economic efficiency of corporate GR departments and on the participation of lobbyists and GR professionals in the legislative process.
Participants represented a wide range of organizations, including:
The Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, the Accounts Chamber of Krasnoyarsk Krai, Avito (KEX eCommerce LLC), Polyus Management Company LLC, Roche Moscow JSC, the Association for the Development of Online Education, Nestlé Russia LLC, Russian Railways OJSC, Four Paws LLC, Minsk Dairy Plant No. 1 LLC, Lemana PRO (LE MONLID LLC), HeadHunter LLC, Beiersdorf LLC, Danaflex Group, Severstal PJSC, Astra Group LLC, PSB Bank PJSC, Dynamika-Center LLC, Multon Partners LLC, among others.
Upon completion of the program, 40 participants received MGIMO state-recognized advanced training certificates.
Registration for the 17th cohort is now open.
Program dates: April 6–11, 2025
Course duration: six days (60 academic hours).
            [post_title] => 16TH GRADUATE COURSE «GR AND LOBBYING IN BUSINESS AND NONPROFIT SECTOR»
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