Stefano Vlahovic, President of Produkty Pitania, Appointed Head of Kaliningrad’s Expert Economic Council
— 2006-05-15 —

Stefano Vlahovic, President of Produkty Pitania and Chairman of the Foreign Investors Association in Kaliningrad will also head the Expert Economic Council, developed to attract new investors to the Kaliningrad region. 

Kaliningrad’s Governor, Georgy Boos invited representatives from local industrial organizations and corporations to join the Council, which he established in May.  In addition to Vlahovic, members include Boris Ovchinikov, head of the Kaliningrad Department of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs; Mikhail Maister, President of the Kaliningrad Association of Furniture Manufacturers; Yevgeniy Morozov, President of the Regional Association of Constructors; and Yuri Kadjoyan, General Director of LUKOIL-Kaliningradmorneft LC.

According to Vlahovic, the Council provides a unique opportunity for authorities and businesses to join forces; thereby greatly strengthening local economic development efforts.  As such, Council representatives have a direct tie-line to the Governor, through which to address pertinent business issues, as well as furnish up to date market information. In return, the Governor can offer valuable feedback when it comes to strategic planning.

Vlahovic went on to say that Council members hope that this organization will play a vital role in regional politics and economic development, as it seeks to create new avenues of participation for local business experts.   They also believe it will serve as an important bridge between business and government.  

To be eligible to for membership, Expert Economic Council representatives must currently head a business association or existing company, as its chairman, general director, or president. By following these guidelines, the Council may preclude admitting representatives of businesses working directly for the government.