The two officials focused on implementing large investment projects and bringing investment to the region, which the Tula government considers to be one of its top priorities. According to the prime minister, the positive attitude and encouragement of local authorities can make a real difference, and “specific financial benefits” should not be the only motivation for investment.
The prime minister and the Agency head discussed the initial activities of the newly established Agency. According to Andrei Nikitin, the team has been fully formed and is actively engaged in a dialogue with the experts. The prime minister noted that it is high time to start selecting and managing projects.
Special attention was given to resettling the widows of miners being carried out on the prime minister’s instructions. The officials also discussed the construction of the Belkomur railway line and possible attraction of private capital via concessions.
Putin and Miller discussed Gazprom’s domestic and export operations. They focused on the recent “dawn raids” at Gazprom’s affiliates in Europe. Putin said “the Russian government will closely monitor developments involving Gazprom.”
The governor reported to the prime minister on the region’s economic growth. This year the industry is expected to grow by 6-7% and agriculture by 20%. The region fulfils its social obligations. The focus of the meeting was on the Belgorod Airport, which the governor plans to transform into one of the best airports in the country.
The topic of the meeting was how to help farmers sell this year’s grain harvest. Zubkov suggested extending the “exceptionally favourable rail tariff” that already existed in some sectors to grain exports from Siberia and the Kurgan Region as well as to soy and soy oil meal shipments from the Far East to central Russia. The prime minister endorsed this suggestion, while stressing that the domestic market should be the main point of reference.
The meeting focused on prospects of interaction between the Cabinet and the Federation Council, and short-term priorities in legislation. Ms Matviyenko also spoke with the prime minister about plans for modernising the inner workings of the upper parliamentary house.
“We must purchase quality and innovative products for government and social needs and form a system that will reduce corruption and ensure maximal transparency of this work – starting with purchase plans and ending with the performance of contracts.”