Russia’s Far East Comes Closer: Putin Makes Investment and Care for Far-Flung Regions a Priority
Primorsky Krai authorities want to begin granting college scholarships for those who will seek employment in the region after graduation. That's what Primorye Governor, Andrey Tarasenko has told Putin during their work visit today. He told the President about the issues in the region and the problems its officials face.
Aleksandr Balitsky reports on how to make the Far East even closer.
Work in the Bolshoy Kamen (large stone) bay never stops. Next year, Primorye shipbuilders will finish the Icebreaker-7 supply ship, their first project. That's why the Zvezda (star) shipyard shines even brighter. The first large-capacity shipyard in Russia is built upon the President's orders. Funding and pilot loads are provided by the oil producers. The latter include giant LG tankers with offshore platforms, which will be floated out, and new jobs. The President asks the Acting Governor about Primorye's overall development.
Vladimir Putin: "Primorye's overall social and economic development is satisfactory. There was a small decrease in 2013, but there's been stable growth ever since. What issues do you consider urgent? Certain industries that are essential to the region are rather close to you".
Andrey Tarasenko, Acting Governor of Primorsky Krai: "The key issue we're working on, as you've said, is increasing the population's solvency. My current task is to revive the lost productions and preserve the one we have today. That's why we're developing and improving our ports, moving forward, this is our priority".
The Freeport of Vladivostok offers 24/7 checkpoints, expedited E-visas, and 5-year tax breaks for resident companies for income, wealth, and land taxes. This is a Safe Harbor for both Russian and Asian investors. Portside villages that depend on the fishing industry rely on government's support. The selldown of fishing quotas will affect them before any others.
Andrey Tarasenko: Of course, I'm trying to resolve the fishing issue, but it's very complicated. After the allocation in 2004, everyone had the same terms and restrictions. Now, because of the selldown, I'm losing this industry, and the same is happening to crabbing. Currently, everyone along the coastline makes a profit, that's how villages make a living. Now they tell them to give away 50%.
— 50% of what?
Of the previously allocated quote.
A scarcity of young professionals is another problem for small towns. Local authorities have launched the "Affordable mortgage" program to attract teachers and doctors. The interest rate is only 5.5%, and local medical workers will also get reimbursed for all utility payments.
— These are our future babies.
Primorye is also actively improving its farming sector. This is a pig-breeding farm in the Mikhailovsky Priority Development Area. They grow environment-friendly feed themselves. Once they reach full capacity, they'll supply pork to the Far East and the nearby regions. They have plans for future drop shipping to China and South Korea.
Aleksandr Balitsky, Natalya Gubina, and Yulia Schedrova. Vesti.