III Pärnumaa Economic Forum: The Formula for Success — Infrastructure and Energy Investments as the Foundation for County Growth

For the third year in a row, the Pärnumaa Economic Forum looks to the future, jointly led by Pärnumaa Ettevõtete Koda, Pärnumaa Arenduskeskus, the City of Pärnu and TÜ Pärnu kolledž. On the two previous occasions, entrepreneurs, decision-makers and future-shapers discussed the sustainability of Pärnumaa’s economy in 2024 and the status of a university town as a centre of knowledge in 2025.

This year’s forum explores Pärnumaa’s place on Estonia’s map of the future. How will the county be affected by the national spatial plan “Estonia 2050” (ÜRP)—a long-term national spatial development document that sets out Estonia’s spatial structure, land use and development principles—and the national partnership plan for 2028–2034 (the state plan), Estonia’s central strategic document and funding plan for the use of European Union support? How can rail, road, maritime transport and aviation work together in Pärnu as a multimodal hub? What will the future hold for energy, industry and business more broadly? What should be decided today and started tomorrow so that Pärnumaa is more competitive and visible in 2035—and how can the county then make a leap in scale, paradigm and identity over the following 15 years?

The forum will be moderated by Mart Treier.

PROGRAMME

12:00–12:30 Welcome coffee and registration
12:30–12:40 Opening
12:40–14:10 Session I: “Pärnumaa’s strategy for success: national spatial planning and regional policy”
Veiko Sepp, Johan Skytte Institute of Political Studies, University of Tartu — “The national spatial plan ‘Estonia 2050’ and Pärnumaa”
Sigrid Soomlais, Deputy Secretary General for Regional Development at the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture — “The state plan 2028–2034 and Pärnumaa”
Panel: county development managers Kristjan Kullerkan and Siim Orav, together with Sigrid Soomlais and Veiko Sepp

14:10–14:30 Break

14:30–16:30 Session II: “Routes to success: land, water, air, power and other connections”
Kuldar Leis, Minister of Infrastructure — “Transport investments in Pärnumaa 2035”
Margo Külaots, Head of Gren’s businesses in Estonia — “Pärnumaa’s energy vision 2035”
Margus Kaasik, Chairman of the Management Board of Elenger — “Where is Pärnumaa’s bioenergy headed?”
Panel: Pärnu Mayor Siim Suursild, Kuldar Leis, Margo Külaots and Margus Kaasik

16:30–16:50 Break

16:50–17:50 Session III: “Success in the community’s own backyard: plans permit, life decides”
Panel: group reflection by the leaders of Pärnumaa’s local governments

18:00–19:30 Reception marking the 5th anniversary of Pärnumaa Ettevõtete Koda. Musical duo Indrek Palu (violin) and Leonora Palu (flute) will provide the music.