Ekaterinburg, 11 July. The influence of Industry 4.0 technologies on global industry, including Russia's aluminium industry, the prospects for the domestic aluminium market, as well as international cooperation were the issues discussed by the participants of the “Aluminium Industry in the Era of Industry 4.0” session organised by the Aluminium Association as part of INNOPROM. The event was moderated by Deputy Chairman of Vnesheconombank, Pyotr Zolotarev.
The experts who spoke at the session stressed the fact that in the context of transition to a new phase of industrial development, aluminium offers undeniable benefits in terms of opportunities for its application and processing.
The Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Sergei Tsyb, noted that today there is a need for multilateral co-ordination between countries recognised as leading producers of primary aluminium. The Deputy Minister called for a global dialogue aimed at co-ordinated action of the entire aluminium industry with due regard for the economic and social implications. The method he suggests is to create a multilateral international association that serves as an efficient platform for communication. Currently, a consolidated position is being elaborated in the following format: Russia – Gulf countries, as well as China and India.
Pyotr Zolotarev, in turn, noted that to develop high added value projects in the aluminium industry “it is necessary to consolidate the actions of the Russian Government, federal and regional authorities, development institutions and businesses.” According to him, Vnesheconombank is actively searching for projects like that and is willing to offer smart financing options, including those aimed at promoting exports of high-tech aluminium products.
At present, the Russian Government is implementing a programme to stimulate demand for high added value aluminium products. Speaking about the sector’s development prospects, CEO of RUSAL and active member of the Aluminium Association, Vladislav Soloviov, noted that aluminium consumption was growing by 6-7% per year. The highest priority aluminium consumption industries, according to him, are the automotive, construction, bridge construction, aircraft, and energy industries.
Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation Vladimir Dmitriev, who took part in the discussion, emphasised that the aluminium industry development could become a project of national importance. In his opinion, provided that long-term and cheap money is in place, the aluminium industry could become a driver of economic growth. “The development of the aluminium industry offers the opportunity to develop small and medium-sized businesses and gives producers of aluminium products an entry into foreign markets. Russia’s CCI system is willing to contribute to this,” he said.
Speakers at the session also included representatives of Japan’s and Bahrain’s business circles and aluminium industry. They supported the idea developing co-operation with Russia on key issues, such as new technology, excess capacity and environmental protection matters.
The panel session was attended by managers of specialised federal authorities, the Russian Export Centre, the European Association of Aluminium Product Consumers, as well as some Russian companies.