Minister of Regional Development Igor Slyunyayev took part in a discussion on Russia's economic development and possible catalysts for positive change during the 17th St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
In his comments on the investment situation in Russian regions, Igor Slyunyayev said that the lists of priority investment projects have been formed in all federal districts; the Government has determined zones of accelerated economic development, which should act as engines of growth for regional economies.
The implementation of 190 priority projects will make it possible to attract to the Russian economy over 6.7 trillion roubles and provide for the creation of some 300,000 jobs.
The comprehensive investment projects include: the creation of a mining and smelting cluster in the Amur River region, the development of South Yakutia and the creation of a special economic port zone in the Sovetsko-Gavansky Municipal District in the Khabarovsk Territory. Transneft will build the Eastern Siberia–Pacific Ocean (ESPO) oil pipeline and ESPO power supply facilities in the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Irkutsk Region, the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Jewish Autonomous Area, the Amur Region, the Khabarovsk Territory and the Primorye Territory.
Igor Slyunyayev said that the turn towards the East is not simply a diplomatic gesture towards the intensively developing Asia-Pacific Region, but that it is Russia’s strategy, because the country wants to strengthen its eastern borders and gain from cooperation with APEC countries. An extensive range of efforts under a relevant state programme is aimed at developing transport lines, energy and exploration of the resources of Russia’s Far East and Siberia.
In addition, Igor Slyunyayev said that the Government is introducing a regional investment standard which has been developed by the Agency for Strategic Initiatives and is aimed at improving investment attractiveness of regions.
Source: Ministry of Regional Development
