Photo: VEB.RF Press Service
Huge amounts of money are now flowing into the Far East – investments from the state, VEB and development organizations, banks and private companies. Roads and social facilities are being built, public transport, housing and utility networks are being updated. As a result, all efforts should lead to the fact that the standard of living in the macroregion will be higher than in the European part of Russia. How this problem is being solved was discussed live on the talk show “60 Minutes” as part of the Eastern Economic Forum Presidential Aide Maxim Oreshkin And Chairman of VEB.RF Igor Shuvalov.
“In recent years, the Far East has been actively developing. Yesterday, the President hosted the launch of several projects launched precisely thanks to new investment decisions. And in general, there is more money in the Far East. The question is that this money and projects should work for the quality of life of people,” – said Shuvalov.
In the macroregion, on behalf of the president, 25 master plans for cities are being created. These are comprehensive documents that radically change settlements for the better and improve the quality of life of citizens. Both VEB.RF and private investors are seriously investing in the development of territories. New transport and utility infrastructure, schools, hospitals, cultural centers are appearing here, and comfortable housing is being built.
“Now our VEB projects are aimed at ensuring that there is a different quality of life here. All this work is carried out within the framework of master planning. Therefore, in the Far East everything should be better than in the European part of the country,” – stated Chairman of VEB.RF.
Assistant to the President of Russia Maxim Oreshkin clarified that the structure of investments in the Far East has changed greatly over the past 10 years. If earlier the emphasis was on large industrial projects, now they are trying to invest in cities and improve living standards.
“Now the agenda is shifting to investments, including in cities, urban development projects, improving the quality of life and making life here in the Far East more comfortable and interesting for ordinary residents,” – explained Oreshkin.
He added that the state has “shrouded itself in concern” for investors. For them, there are a lot of preferential treatment, well-developed master plans into which their project can be integrated, as well as a whole range of VEB.RF tools.
“A whole set of tools is used here in the Far East: preferential lending and various types of support. Therefore, investors are really concerned here. There is even a dedicated deputy prime minister in the Russian government who is involved in supporting these investment projects every day,” – said President `s assistant.
Another important area that can help the development of the region is support for exporting companies. For them to become successful, they must not only be able to withstand competition, but also choose leading companies in each industry that have an impeccable reputation. They will “pull” everyone else along with them, she explained General Director of the Russian Export Center (part of the VEB group) Veronika Nikishina.
“Public opinion leaders and ambassadors who will (help) create industry awareness in order to popularize such a product are also very important,” – added General Director of REC.
Additional incentives for business development and new ambitious projects in the Far East are provided. The day before, investment projects worth a total of 1.1 trillion rubles were concluded within the framework of the EEF. VEB.RF, together with Sberbank, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East and the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (KRDV), will be engaged in the construction of facilities in various fields – from tourism to engineering and transport infrastructure. When implementing projects, various preferential instruments will be used, including the opportunities of VEB.RF.
