Agenda: Implementation of the decisions of the Supreme State Council of the Union State, the outcomes of the Government’s annual report to the State Duma, and the regulation of forest restoration for Territories of Advanced Development (TAD).
Mikhail Mishustin’s opening remarks:
Government meeting
Government meeting
Government meeting
Good afternoon, colleagues.
Yesterday, a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State was held in Moscow, presided over by Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. This gathering took place in a landmark year for the Union. In April, it will be 30 years since the signing of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Community of Russia and Belarus.
Vladimir Putin emphasised that the process of deepening integration between our two states is logical, natural, and mutually beneficial.
Significant decisions were adopted during the meeting that are essential for enhancing transport connectivity between our nations, launching direct railway links between neighbouring regions of Russia and Belarus, fostering competition within the Union State’s framework, and advancing collaboration in international justice.
It is imperative to ensure the fulfilment of the tasks set by our presidents. This includes the meticulous preparation of the Priority Areas for Implementing the Union Treaty for the next three years.
We will persist in our cohesive teamwork across the governments of Russia and Belarus across all these domains. Our efforts will concentrate on expanding trade, economic, scientific, and technological collaboration, as well as deepening industrial cooperation. We will continue to create conditions to enhance the prosperity of the citizens of the Union State and the growth of our national economies.
Colleagues, I urge you to closely monitor the progress in your respective areas of responsibility.
This week, the Government presented its annual report to the State Duma. This was preceded by extensive preparations, including meetings with the relevant committees and consultations with State Duma factions.
I wish to thank everyone who participated. I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to Vyacheslav Volodin and Valentina Matviyenko for their immense personal contribution to strengthening constructive interaction between the Cabinet of Ministers and Parliament as a whole.
The discussion with the deputies was frank, engaged, and professional. Our primary focus was on the results of implementing the instructions of the President. We discussed national projects aimed at achieving the long-term development goals of the country, as defined by the head of state. We also addressed other decisions necessary to expand opportunities for our citizens and our economy, enhancing its competitiveness. Topics included infrastructure modernisation and the strengthening of technological sectors.
We reviewed changes in social policy, particularly in the sphere of support for families with children. Naturally, we also spoke about our defenders carrying out tasks as part of the special military operation. Measures to strengthen domestic healthcare, education, science, and culture were also discussed. Significant attention was paid to the development of our regions. This is very important. New facilities are emerging in every region, improving people’s lives and contributing to the progress of our country as a whole.
Deputies raised issues and put forward proposals. These, of course, must be thoroughly examined, culminating in a list of instructions with specific deadlines for implementation.
Mr Grigorenko, I ask you to oversee this matter.
Turning to the agenda of today’s Government meeting.
Today, we will discuss amendments to existing legislation to ensure forest restoration, specifically for Territories of Advanced Development, including those in the Far East and the Arctic.
The President has emphasised that we will undoubtedly develop the entire technological chain for the efficient use of our forest resources.
The Government is addressing these tasks as part of the national ecology project. A comprehensive set of measures has been envisaged, including oversight of timber turnover, seed production, and the cultivation of new trees and shrubs.
There are already tangible results – we are restoring more forests than are being logged, which preserves jobs in the sector and, crucially, safeguards our natural environment.
The amendments prepared for today’s meeting refine regulations in this sphere. Residents of Territories of Advanced Development will not only receive tax and other incentives but also land that entrepreneurs can clear of vegetation.
At the same time, the amendments oblige residents to ensure forest restoration in an equivalent area to that where logging has occurred, within three years. Managing companies will oversee this activity, strictly ensuring full compensation.
We anticipate that these decisions will enhance the efficiency of TAD operations, including in Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and Primorye, where necessary work has already been planned. This will ensure that local residents and tourists can continue to enjoy recreational activities in nature.
