Reaching Out to Indigenous People in the Russian Far East

Abstract

The Russian Far East faces severe development challenges. Its remoteness and harsh winter conditions, particularly in the case of Magadan Oblast, limit economic development opportunities to mining and fishing. The weak investment climate, combined with geographic isolation, contribute to a poor standard of living. And the most vulnerable group is the indigenous community, where unemployment is four to five times that of the general population. The smart lesson summarizes the experience of the Russian Far East Business Development Project in working to develop new economic opportunities for entrepreneurs among the native population.