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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, on a working trip to the Trans-Baikal Territory, talks to ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:31 GMT

“All rundown and dilapidated housing must be torn down, and replaced with new buildings. Naturally, these should be modern low-rise buildings. We will think how to solve the problems linked with social facilities under this programme.” Vladimir Putin At a meeting with residents of the Aksyonovo-Zilovskoye village The first meeting occurred when the prime minister was driving through the village. About a hundred residents of this and adjacent villages asked Vladimir Putin to stop. Those were mainly the workers of the Baikal-Amur Railway who are concerned about the future of the railroad. The prime minister said that head of the Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin had reported to him that the traffic across this railway had increased by 28%, which means that there w... “All rundown and dilapidated housing must be torn down, and replaced with new buildings. Naturally, these should be modern low-rise buildings. We will think how to solve the problems linked with social facilities under this programme.” Vladimir Putin At a meeting with residents of the Aksyonovo-Zilovskoye village The first meeting occurred when the prime minister was driving through the village. About a hundred residents of this and adjacent villages asked Vladimir Putin to stop. Those were mainly the workers of the Baikal-Amur Railway who are concerned about the future of the railroad. The prime minister said that head of the Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin had reported to him that the traffic across this railway had increased by 28%, which means that there were no reasons to close it down. The residents also complained to Mr Putin that their district had not been included in the programme of replacing rundown housing. The prime minister promised them to discuss this issue with the region's governor. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon once again. Please, sit down. I must say that I have just had a very intensive conversation with some people from your village. I don't know what it was, a store of something else, where I stopped... Remark: Near the village administration building? Vladimir Putin: Maybe. There were many people there. Remark: It's the administration. Vladimir Putin: Sure, the administration, that must be it. I believe that they have asked all the questions that residents of this village are concerned about. However, we can now discuss all the issues that worry you in a calmer atmosphere and in greater detail. Please, ask your questions. Remark: Mr Putin, above all we are grateful. It happens only once in a hundred years that one of the country's top leaders visits our village. More than a hundred years ago Emperor Nicholas II and crown prince Alexander drove past our village. And today we have reason to celebrate again. First of all, we would like to thank you that it's no longer so hard for us to get to Chita as it used to be. Now it's just a 40-minute drive to the district centre and a four hour-drive to Chita. It used to take me from twelve to sixteen hours to get to Chita, and the car often broke down... Vladimir Putin: There was no road. Remark: There was no road at all. Remark: There was practically no road. Now there is a road and this is a major event for us. All the local residents, not only us but also those from adjacent villages, want to express their gratitude, and that's the most important thing. We have a good village. Vladimir Putin: They say that a 100-kilometre section to Chita still needs repairs. Remark: That's the section right before Chita... Vladimir Putin: The old road... Remark: That's only a 100-kilometre section before Chita. There used to be a 130-kilometre section of an asphalt-paved road... Remark: Whe used to drive down this road, and it seemed fairly good. Now when we get there the road seems terrible. I mean, now we have learnt what a good road is, I guess. Remark: We learn by comparison. Vladimir Putin: The entire road should be completed by late September. I have seen it for myself, we have driven along the entire motorway - there are still many sections that have not been paved with asphalt concrete yet. But all these sections have been prepared. The road cushions are ready, and the preparations have been finished. xThe equipment and technology used are state of the art, so the road is being paved very quickly there. Road workers promise to finish the motorway from Chita to Khabarovsk completely by late September. There is also a section several hundred kilometres-long fromKhabarovsk to this destination that has rather good paving. Road maintenance companies are keeping an eye on it and repair the pits. But this section has been built using old technology. This roads run across villages while modern roads are no longer built this way. There is still much to be done. But we will set aside the funds to build a good motorway for the entire distance from Chita to Khabarovsk. It will cost quite a significant amount of money. These are fairly expensive works and we will be setting aside about 3 billion roubles per year so that this motorway is as good along its entire route as it is at your village. Remark: It would be great if those access roads running from the motorway to villages were also paved. You drive on an up-to-date asphalt-paved motorway and then have to turn off onto a very bad road toward a village. Vladimir Putin: Yes, we all know that these access roads are managed by regional and local authorities rather than the federal government. However, we understand that local authorities do not have enough money for these purposes. These are expensive works that's why a decision has been taken to set up federal and regional roads funds in 2011 by slightly increasing the gasoline excise tax. I have already mentioned this. We will increase the excise tax a little and allocate these funds to addressing the issues of roads managed by regional authorities and municipalities, including village roads. In addition, we will continue to set aside about 5 billion roubles from the federal budget. We plan to transfer 300 million roubles into this road fund in 2011 and 400 million roubles later. These are significant funds and I hope that progress will be made and that you will see it. Remark: That would be great. You should visit us more often. You are always welcome here. Isn't it beautiful here? Vladimir Putin: I've just told your villagers here: I have been to many places and had photos taken with many people, but I just couldn't miss this opportunity. I stopped to have a photo taken against the backdrop of this beautiful nature. It's amazing! Remark: If you had seen the "Ring", you wouldn't have left. You would have stayed there. Vladimir Putin: Really? Great. Such a wonderful view, it's incredible. This vast expanse, and the high ground in the back. Remark: This is why our village needs development. Vladimir Putin: Yes, we have just discussed it there at the administration building. Remark: Our village mainly survives due to the railway. The local enterprises are closing. How can we change that? Vladimir Putin: You know what, this is not quite true. I will explain. Before coming here, I looked through various documents and talked to the railway management - not the Trans-Baikal Railway, but the parent company, Russian Railways. The layoffs you had here had nothing to do with the economic downturn or shrinking freight traffic. They were the result of an internal corporate decision of the railway company to optimise costs in various business segments. But the railway management reported to me that people who were transferred to other villages were provided with everything including housing. Remark: Yes, they were. Vladimir Putin: I can tell you that one of the women lobbying for the allocated flats to be transferred into their ownership has confirmed to me that they had received the flats and that the flats were good, in new modern houses. Remark: Yes, that's right. Good living conditions. Vladimir Putin: And they are happy because it means they were not deceived. They were given what they had been promised. Remark: They are happy. We aren't because people are moving away from our village. Vladimir Putin: I will come to that later. On the whole, freight traffic along the Trans-Baikal Railway is growing. It went up 28% in the past two years. It is not shrinking due to the recession, but is growing. This means that such villages as yours have good development prospects, after a certain optimisation of the railway. This is my first point. My next point is that more hands are needed. Moreover, the railway management, including the Trans-Baikal Railway, is compelled to persuade people who are close to retirement age to continue working, and even call older workers out of retirement. The management just told me that there are around 150 people who were planning to retire; the company is trying to dissuade them because they are highly qualified and experienced professionals and the railway cannot afford to lose them now. Remark: They are the golden fund. Vladimir Putin: Exactly. But what does this mean? It means that more workers are needed. But there is another problem that the locals just told me about. When the railway company handed the village with all of its social services over to the local administration, things were no longer kept up to the old standard. Maybe the local government does not have enough funds or time to take care of everything. We have provided a considerable federal subsidy to the Trans-Baikal Territory in the past two or three years, 1.2 billion roubles, to relocate people living in dangerous old buildings. I would say that the regional government has disposed of the money wisely. Over 34 million sq m of dilapidated housing were demolished, and about 1,300 people moved to better property. But the local people are quite well informed. Honestly I was surprised at how much they know. When I mentioned it, one woman said: "We weren't included in that programme." She was right in fact: this village had not been included in the programme. But that is not right. If the railway management and the regional government both believe this village has good development prospects, why shouldn't it be included in the programme? Nearly half of all local housing (45%), 18,000 sq m out of 40,000 sq m, is defined as dilapidated and dangerous to live in. I have asked the regional governor, "Do you think this village has good development prospects?" He said "Yes." Remark: So they think we do have prospects. Vladimir Putin: Yes, they do, but if so, why aren't they investing money in development? I will see the governor tonight. We have already talked on the phone. He agreed that this village should be included in the programme to renew old and dangerous housing. Remark: You have just mentioned that the town and social services were handed over to the local administration. There is a problem in our district. I am a district council member. We have a problem. There is a central district hospital... Vladimir Putin: Yes, someone has mentioned it. Remark: So the railway company handed it over, but part of the equipment... Well, we have no equipment now. There is only one maternity hospital in the district, with six beds. There are two surgery centres here in Zilov, but again, equipment there leaves much to be desired. The head doctor, Konstantin Kapusta, is a great surgeon, but equipment is important too. We really need to help them. Vladimir Putin: Please, if you just let me finish what I was saying, and I will answer your question right away. If the territorial administration includes your village in the programme to renew old housing - as I believe it will - it means you will receive additional financing before the end of this year. We will provide substantial federal funding, so that you could resolve all your problems comprehensively. If you are determined, you need a comprehensive approach to the problems, rather than address separate issues. If you do, you will be living in a completely different village two or three years from now. All the dilapidated and dangerous buildings will be pulled down, and new modern houses will be erected in their stead. These should be modern houses, of course, not apartment blocks but low-rise projects. Working under this programme, we will think of ways to resolve the problems of your social facilities - the hospital and the school (we should analyse the situation there). And you have a kindergarten. Remark: We really need a school. Remark: We have a kindergarten... Remark: But it is very small. Vladimir Putin: Do you have two kindergartens or one? Remark: We have one kindergarten and two schools, and we would like both schools to be preserved. Vladimir Putin: You also need a sports complex for young people, a sports and entertainment complex for sports and cultural events. Remark: We have nothing for young people, they have nowhere to spend their leisure time. Remark: I am a teacher. Our young people here are very talented; they easily get accepted at universities in Novosibirsk, Omsk and Vladivostok. Vladimir Putin: This means they have good teachers. Remark: Some have even graduated from Moscow universities. They are good at sports. Our coach, can vouch for this. But we have a problem with taking children to sports competitions 90 km from the regional centre. Children have to get up at 5 in the morning to get there on time. They leave for Chernyshevsk at 6 a.m. and spend the day at the competitions there. We win first prizes, of course, but at a very high price. The school cannot afford a bus, or even a Gazelle van or a car. This is a problem we cannot resolve. Vladimir Putin: You need a sports and physical fitness complex here. Remark: If we had one, children would flock there. Vladimir Putin: Of course. Remark: Our young workers also enjoy sports. Vladimir Putin: They are not expensive; they are standard models and hence can be built quickly. Construction doesn't take long. We'll find a solution. Remark: And then there is the problem of taking an inventory... Vladimir Putin: At the school? Answer: We have 20 computers and 377 students. Vladimir Putin: That is a big school. Remark: It is a general school, and the other school, a nine-grade one, has 120 students. Vladimir Putin: How many students per form? Answer: There are between 18 and 25 or 27 students per form. Vladimir Putin: So this is a full-size school. Remark: Yes, but we have only 20 computers. We have Internet access, but only five of the 20 PCs are modern. As for the rest, I can't even tell you when they were made. Vladimir Putin: They are old, right? Remark: We'd like the best for our kids... Vladimir Putin: Absolutely. We must certainly do it right. Question: Mr Putin, I have a question about the Chita-Khabarovsk motorway. We have an access road to it, but do you plan to further develop the infrastructure? As for the hospital, I know that a programme was considered for building medical centres along federal motor routes. Do you plan to build such medical centres here, or at least to improve our hospitals, such as this one? Vladimir Putin: To be honest, I don't have all the details here, but I think we should undertake such projects along federal routes within the framework of the Healthcare national project. We should add to the project the construction of requisite medical establishments along federal routes, so as to cut human losses from road accidents. But if there is a hospital near such a route already, it would seem better to provide modern equipment to it, so that both local residents and the people using the route would use them. Remark: It would create more jobs. Vladimir Putin: That's right. Remark: The traffic-related death rate is the second highest in the region because of road construction. The Zhireken administration should address this problem. Vladimir Putin: The issue you pointed out is one of the most important for the Trans-Baikal Territory. Remark: The distances are huge. Vladimir Putin: Yes, exactly. This problem is solved easier in the Khabarovsk Territory because of smaller distances between cities and villages, and even in the Amur Region, where the average distance between settlements is 100-150 km, which means you can reach a hospital in 1.5 or 2 hours. But the distance between settlements in the Trans-Baikal Territory is approximately 300 km. This is a big problem for the territory. Of course, you need a hospital. Remark: Thank you for the cars we have received under the national project for our medical emergency sector. Vladimir Putin: So you have received them? Remark: We have received one ambulance but not the equipment. Our equipment has long become obsolete. Vladimir Putin: Do you mean hospital equipment? Remark: We have also received a Kamaz truck under the utilities equipment project. Vladimir Putin: You have? We bought them as part of the anti-crisis programmes to support both Kamaz and municipal governments. Remark: I'd like to say that pensions have been raised significantly this year. The pensioners and everyone else are really pleased. Vladimir Putin: Yes, a 46% increase this year is a noticeable improvement. Remark: Thank you. Remark: Mr Putin, our village has an interesting history. You said something about your feelings... Vladimir Putin: Positive feelings. Remark: Yes, positive feelings, and for a reason. This is an old village with unique customs and interesting traditions and culture. Vladimir Putin: Right. Remark: And this is a close-knit community. We have a special kind of patriotism in Zilovo, one you are unlikely to see anywhere else. And the root cause for this is the school. Change is under way in the country, including here; we are aware of this. You spoke about dilapidated housing. We tried to file a request, but somehow failed. If you say there are plans... Vladimir Putin: Not yet, but there will be plans after my visit. I am going to Chita now, and simultaneously plans will begin to be drafted. Remark: We were half-eligible, but not quite eligible under the law. Anyway, the village is growing, the railway company is developing, and we preserve jobs. And the people think the railway, on which the future of the village depends, must not be closed; it should be preserved. You also spoke about the hospital. The hospital in Zilovo was nearly closed, but it was not, thanks to our governor, and the people are glad it has been preserved. Vladimir Putin: We could provide additional equipment for it. Remark: Yes, we need a hospital. Vladimir Putin: We'll see what can be done; I will discuss the question with the governor. By the way, your governor is a good manager, with both feet firmly on the ground. Question: I have one more question. I worked in the administration before retiring, and remember that once the question of discontinuing commuter rail transport was considered. This is a very painful issue to us, and we would like to ask you to preserve commuter rail transport. Our village depends on railways. Now the time at the stations for some trains has been shortened and other stops have been cut out, and we would like the passenger rail transport to be preserved even though there is a new federal motorway nearby. We are glad that there is a federal motorway nearby, but we'd like everything we had in the village before to be preserved. Vladimir Putin: I will convey your wishes to the railway authorities. I cannot tell you about their plans for the time trains wait at stations, because it depends on the trains' speed. This is a strictly professional issue, and you could know it better than I do. As for commuter traffic, it should certainly be preserved. And, as far as I can see, it has been preserved. Remark: We have thousands of pensioners and all social and pension services are located in the regional centre. It is very important for the pensioners... Vladimir Putin: I see. But you will be able to use the motorway now. Remark: There are no bus routes to the city. Vladimir Putin: You'll have them, but not immediately. Remark: Not everyone can drive. Vladimir Putin: Yes, I agree, I fully agree with you. Remark: Even a bus ticket is too much for pensioners, too expensive. Remark: And it costs 1,500 roubles by taxi Vladimir Putin: Yes, I see. Remark: Look at the museum we have at the school; it presents the full history of the village. Vladimir Putin: It was established in the early 20th century, if I'm right? Answer: Yes. We marked its centenary last year. And the museum was established nearly 50 years ago. Vladimir Putin: This is great. Well done; your caring attitude is highly commendable. Remark: Whatever happens in the country, the people in our village never remain indifferent. And look at our nature. Vladimir Putin: Yes, it's incredible. Remark: And this tells you about our patriotism... (showing an album) Vladimir Putin: Did you stage a performance? Answer: Yes, we have a girl who graduated from a Moscow theatre college. Remark: She is from our heartland. They organised such performances. Vladimir Putin: That's great. All thanks to the teachers. Remark: Yes. Take a look at our village, our paternal home. This place is so beautiful in spring. "The Trans-Baikal Territory has crimson hills / Aksyonovo-Zilovskoye is a beautiful name / My village is spread far and wide on five banks." Look at all the little children during their lessons. Vladimir Putin: That's a large school. Remark: Mr Kuntsyn (the former school director), how many children were there at your school? Viktor Kunitsyn: Mr Putin, I'll tell you right away. I was born here. I'm already 68 years old, and I'm still working at the school. Five classes used to graduate each year after ten years here. The village's population has shrunk from 12,000 to 4,000. How can the situation be rectified? This is not very easy. To my mind, the railway will be unable to cope with an influx that would make it possible to rebuild the old population. People used to live here for some reason. Our people do not want to leave Zilovo. They live in Zilovo, work in Chernyshevsk and come back. This is a real headache. Locomotive engineers come to Zilovo, after completing their shifts. Although they have apartments in Chernyshevsk, they return to Zilovo. They don't want to leave this place. And I don't want our village to wither on the vine. Please help us. Vladimir Putin: Naturally, there should be an optimal number of residents matching the corporate production process. Remark: That's right. It turns out that we have to invent something. Vladimir Putin: If this is true, and this seems true, then it's good that the company has provided comfortable housing to those who have moved to other villages. Remark: Yes, it has provided housing. Vladimir Putin: But I don't believe this process should be artificially expedited. Favourable living conditions should be created for the current local population. Remark: Consequently, people would come here. Remark: Somehow this is comfortable housing. But young families cannot register there. Fourteen-year-olds receive passports and come to obtain their registration here. Conscripts have to go to Chernyshevsk. Mogocha residents have to register with a recruiting agency in Chernyshevsk. This is our problem. Why is this so? Vladimir Putin: These are excessive administrative procedures. Remark: We have to ask familiar and unfamiliar Mogocha residents to register children at their place of residence. Remark: They have sold their homes and apartments here, but are unable to obtain registration there. Remark: Registration is mandatory, although the housing is a corporate asset. Vladimir Putin: That's strange. Permanent registration has been abolished. This probably implies some temporary registration. I'll talk to the governor today. Remark: They face problems in every sphere. They are unable to take out loans for they also lack registration. Remark: To be honest, young people ... Vladimir Putin: I'll discuss this today. Although this is completely unexpected, I'll talk about it. Remark: Mr Putin, I have a short question, wish or, maybe, proposal. A man with many children addressed me recently. Although people are leaving our region, the birth rate is quite high in Zilovo. I'm 50 years old, and I have four grandchildren already. Vladimir Putin: The best and most prolific people have remained. Remark: A man came up and told me that he had four children, and that 159-160-rouble per child benefits were too small. Vladimir Putin: We have just discussed this. Remark: Perhaps it would be appropriate to raise the sum a bit. I propose paying 159 roubles for the first baby, 100% more for the second baby and 200% more for the third baby. Naturally, people want to have children. Vladimir Putin: We'll think it over. I have just talked to a woman who had raised this issue. I asked her how many children she had, and she replied that she had four children. I asked her whether she had received her maternity capital. She said "Yes" and added that she had used it to buy an apartment. Remark: Yes, maternity capital. Vladimir Putin: Technically speaking, the mechanisms being proposed by us are functioning and helping people. But we will also think about this. Remark: Most importantly, we need to retain our young people because the village is aging fast. Only old-age pensioners remain. There will be nobody left to develop these territories and wonderful places. Vladimir Putin: I agree. Remark: This is the most terrible thing. You are therefore right in saying that we need a sports facility, no matter what. Remark: Yes, no matter what. Remark: Our young people inevitably start acting foolishly when they are idle. They either start drinking or do something else. Vladimir Putin: This should be a multi-role facility for holding various events. Remark: Available assets need to be preserved. We have here the wonderful Chasovinka camp for Young Pioneers. Formerly a sports camp, it has been open for the past 40 years. The camp was started by the late Vladimir Gladkikh, a merited physical-fitness and sports worker, an honorary citizen of the Mogocha District and an honorary railway worker. They have been organising a wonderful volleyball tournament for the past three years. This is a unique tournament, as there are no other regional volleyball tournaments. People from the Far East come to the inter-regional tournament. My brother rode in a car ahead of you from Khabarovsk to attend the second tournament. The first tournament was held three years ago. At that time, my brother had a long and hard drive from Khabarovsk. This year, it took their family 36 hours to get here. As a railway worker, he says he is slightly vexed, but from now on he will only go by car. In this connection, it appears that the road will reduce railway traffic prices because it is a real rival. Vladimir Putin: Yes, this is true. Remark: My brother says this magnificent tournament with such a wonderful and hospitable atmosphere should be preserved. Vladimir Putin: Who organises it? Answer: It is organised by our railway social directorate. But they are trying to shut down the camp. Vladimir Putin: Is all this, including the camp, affiliated with Russian Railways? Answer: Yes. Remark: Why should it be shut down? Remark: They are trying to shut it down for lack of a fire-alarm system. Vladimir Putin: Is this a Russian Railways asset? Answer: Yes, this is still our asset. Vladimir Putin: In that case, we will preserve it. Remark: It should be preserved. The most important thing is that this exciting tournament has been attracting people for the past three years. Vladimir Putin: Russian Railways executives love sports and will support this project. Remark: That's right. Most importantly, athletes are, as a rule, socially adapted because they are active people. Vladimir Putin: Yes. Remark: We get together, and we have known each other for quite a while. Vladimir Putin: When do you hold the tournament? Remark: This great tournament is held in early August. Vladimir Putin: Are there plans to hold it next year? Remark: Yes, we wanted to hold it. But the event may be put off for fire-safety considerations. Vladimir Putin: You should simply install fire alarms and other systems. Remark: Someone should lend a helping hand because management is so weak. Vladimir Putin: This is what Russian Railways will do. This is a small sum. This is no problem. It's good that you have mentioned this. I am confident that Russian Railways management will support you. As far as competition between railways and motorways are concerned, competition is created as a result of consignments of secondary priority for railways. Such competition may arise during the transportation of perishables, for example, which can be more effectively delivered by motor vehicle to the end consumers. You know railroad traffic specifics better than I do. What do railways carry? They transport timber, metals, coal, ore, oil and petroleum which cannot be delivered over long distances by motorway. In this sense, any principled competition is lacking. Remark: Passenger traffic volumes may plunge. Vladimir Putin: Passenger traffic? This is unlikely. They are asking us to retain commuter trains. Remark: Yes, they should carry old-age pensioners. But those choosing between speed and comfort will prefer not to pay substantial sums and will go by car. Remark: It's more economical to visit someone in a car. Remarks: Yes, far more economical, much cheaper. Vladimir Putin: Generally, railways are better suited to hauling bulk commodities, including oil and petroleum. This makes up the main revenues. As a rule, railways consider passenger traffic unprofitable because they are unable to compete with motorways. In effect, such competition takes place in separate segments but lacks principled importance. Remarks: Thank you very much. Thanks for coming. Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much. I wish you all the best.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11962/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11962/)

Russian Prime Minister holds a working meeting with Governor of the Trans-Baikal Territory ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:25 GMT

Special attention was paid during the meeting to issue of dilapidated accommodation. Ravil Geniatulin asked Vladimir Putin to extend the federal programme on this issue to ensure the problem is resolved in full. In addition, Ravil Geniatulin said that the work on housing provision for Great Patriotic War veterans was going well across the Territory. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: Mr Geniatulin, as you know, I have traveled through most of the Trans Baikal Territory by car. I have seen the state that economy here is in and I have talked to people. There are a lot of problems. Ravil Geniatulin: There are a lot of problems. Vladimir Putin: How do you assess ... Special attention was paid during the meeting to issue of dilapidated accommodation. Ravil Geniatulin asked Vladimir Putin to extend the federal programme on this issue to ensure the problem is resolved in full. In addition, Ravil Geniatulin said that the work on housing provision for Great Patriotic War veterans was going well across the Territory. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: Mr Geniatulin, as you know, I have traveled through most of the Trans Baikal Territory by car. I have seen the state that economy here is in and I have talked to people. There are a lot of problems. Ravil Geniatulin: There are a lot of problems. Vladimir Putin: How do you assess the state of the social sector and the economy? Where is the economy in terms of its emergence from the downturn? What are the problems? Ravil Geniatulin: 2009 was a very difficult year, Mr Putin, in fact there were no losses, but no profits either. By this August we saw a surplus of 3.2%. So there is clearly a steady improvement in budget revenues. Though, of course there is still a deficit. We are continuing the construction of ten large facilities in the healthcare sector alone (I have the photographs here and will show them to you). They include a large infectious diseases hospital with a capacity of 120 beds (which we will finish on September 1), the first large stage of psychiatric hospital, which has no equal anywhere this side of the Urals. And we are near to completion on the cardiology and burns centre. There are four facilities here. That's why our funding for the perinatal centre fell a little short. But I will rectify this situation, of course. We are paying salaries, pensions and social benefits on time. There are no problems in this respect, and I hope this state of affairs will continue through to the end of the year. We have experienced some problems connected with the housing and utilities sector, caused by the transfer of large volume of accommodation, social facilities (You may have seen some of them during the trip) both from the Defence Ministry and Russian Railways. Of course, all this requires additional outlays. That's why there are some problems with maintaining the housing and utilities infrastructure for these facilities. Nevertheless, last winter showed that these issues can be solved even in extreme temperatures. To be continued...источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11967/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11967/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits Norilsk Nickel copper plant during his trip to Krasnoyarsk ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:17 GMT

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited a copper plant operated by the Russian non-ferrous metals giant, Norilsk Nickel, during his trip to the Krasnoyarsk Territory. During his tour of the plant, the Prime Minister was given a lecture on the history of the Norilsk Nickel group, which turns 75 this year. Mr Putin examined the plant's main rolling mill at the smelter floor where cranes and convectors operate. This mill produces black copper which is further enriched in an anode furnace. The prime minister saw the hot metal poured from the convector into the ladle and loaded into the anode furnace. The copper plant currently employs about 650 people, mostly Norilsk residents. Some are from other regions.... Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visited a copper plant operated by the Russian non-ferrous metals giant, Norilsk Nickel, during his trip to the Krasnoyarsk Territory. During his tour of the plant, the Prime Minister was given a lecture on the history of the Norilsk Nickel group, which turns 75 this year. Mr Putin examined the plant's main rolling mill at the smelter floor where cranes and convectors operate. This mill produces black copper which is further enriched in an anode furnace. The prime minister saw the hot metal poured from the convector into the ladle and loaded into the anode furnace. The copper plant currently employs about 650 people, mostly Norilsk residents. Some are from other regions.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11977/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11977/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting to discuss development plans for the Norilsk ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:14 GMT

“The government insists that Norilsk Nickel prioritise the management of environmental issues facing the Norilsk industrial zone.” Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's introductory remarks: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, As you know, I scheduled a visit to this city a week earlier, but my plane was unable to land here due to bad weather. But it's all right - I asked officials, Norilsk Nickel shareholders and executives to take advantage of this delay and come together and work on the problems the company is facing, and I think they've made some progress on these issues. I'd like to start with a profile of the Norilsk Nickel mining and smelting company. Norilsk Nickel is the world's largest producer of nickel... “The government insists that Norilsk Nickel prioritise the management of environmental issues facing the Norilsk industrial zone.” Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's introductory remarks: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, As you know, I scheduled a visit to this city a week earlier, but my plane was unable to land here due to bad weather. But it's all right - I asked officials, Norilsk Nickel shareholders and executives to take advantage of this delay and come together and work on the problems the company is facing, and I think they've made some progress on these issues. I'd like to start with a profile of the Norilsk Nickel mining and smelting company. Norilsk Nickel is the world's largest producer of nickel and palladium and a major producer of platinum and copper. We've just toured its copper mill to look at operations on-site. In addition to this, Norilsk Nickel produces cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium and sulphur. The company is based in six countries on four continents: Russia, Australia, Botswana, Finland, the Republic of South Africa and the United States. Financial reports show that Norilsk Nickel is a very strong company. An anti-recessionary programme for 2009, funded partly by the government, allowed Norilsk Nickel to reduce production costs keeping the operating margin at 44% - not bad, especially during an economic crisis. They also reduced administrative expenses by 34%, which is also very good. In 2009, the company's revenues, estimated in accordance with international standards, exceeded $10 billion. Norilsk Nickel made a decision to pay out dividends, which totaled - now pay attention to this - 50% of its revenues. For reference, the dividends paid by Xstrata totaled 7.6% of its revenues, 18% for Rio Tinto, 38.2% for BHP and 6.6% for Kazakhmys, while Norilsk Nickel paid out a sum worth 50% of its revenues. In 2009 and 2010, Norilsk Nickel stocks were quoted higher than the stocks of most other international mining and smelting companies and even higher than average global market rates. In the past 52 weeks, its stock value increased by 57%, while the industry grew by anywhere between 25% and 35% globally. Norilsk Nickel's stock has risen by 25% since the beginning of this year. As of August this year, the company's capitalisation exceeded $32 billion, as far as I know. Am I correct, Mr Strzhalkovsky? Vladimir Strzhalkovsky (Norilsk Nickel Director General): Yes. Vladimir Putin: Norilsk Nickel has reduced its debt burden, which is also gratifying. As of June 30, borrowed capital in its portfolio totaled $3 billion. I'd like to remind you that at the beginning of 2009 its debt stood at almost $6.5 billion, $6.4 billion. The government has done its best to back the company. As you know, we made a decision to cancel export customs duties to respond to tougher competition on global markets. The northern location of Norilsk Nickel production facilities causes additional problems with transport and logistics, which is why we decided to cancel duties on nickel and copper. More to the point, I instructed the Vnesheconombank to buy 3% of Norilsk Nickel stock to stabilise the stock market. Our purpose was to support you through the challenges of the recession. We made the market more stable and so accomplished our objective. Moreover Vnesheconombank did not show loses but rather made a gain on this. As the market revived, the bank sold almost all these shares leaving itself 0.12%. It racked up 15 billion roubles, gaining about 200% in revenue. I'd like to remind you that we also supported the company's major shareholders. One of them received $4.5 billion, and another shareholder, the leading shareholder, was given an opportunity to take out a $2.8 billion loan, and then two more loans, worth 30 billion roubles and $1 billion. The latter shareholder didn't have to borrow this whole amount, but still I'd like to emphasise that substantial support was offered. And the former shareholder's loan was refinanced. Vnesheconombank has already received all the payments due on the loan and returned this money to the Central Bank, which managed those funds. We've done a good job on this. Yevgeny Muravyov (manager of Norilsk Nickel facilities beyond the Arctic Circle) has just mentioned one more problem, the natural depletion of nickel and copper ore. This problem can be resolved through issuing new licences - this is what you should work on. As I understand, you addressed this issue while preparing for this meeting. The company can increase copper production using the reserves of copper concentrate accumulated in the late 1980s. The share of copper in these reserves is estimated to reach 250,000 metric tons. Norilsk Nickel deserves praise for its efforts to modernise existing facilities and build new ones. I have a copy of the plans - it looks impressive... I also have the company's geological prospecting reports. Unfortunately, Norilsk Nickel has cut investment in geological prospecting. I don't think this was a good decision. On a positive note, the infrastructure network is being expanded. I'd like to say a few words of praise for the company's transport policy. Mr Muravyov has just spoken about the orders the company made for new vessels. It has ordered one more vessel, a tanker, which it will receive in 2011, as far as I remember. Five vessels have been launched so far. Therefore, Norilsk Nickel is close to meeting its main transportation challenges. At the same time, the company is facing quite a few other problems. The production of non-ferrous metals has been detrimental to the environment, which can be explained by the composition of ores and the use of conventional technology. Mining, enrichment and other production operations generate waste, release emissions into the atmosphere and discharge industrial waste into the water. Obviously, Norilsk Nickel has produced a very large amount of waste over 75 years of operation. The company is implementing environmental programmes to reduce the amount of industrial waste in the Norilsk area. But they are not enough, to put it bluntly. They claim that the situation was even worse 20 years ago. Perhaps it was. But Norilsk still remains on the list of cities with hazardous environmental conditions. It is also among the cities with the most polluted atmosphere, primarily because of massive emissions of sulphur dioxide. I know that while preparing for this meeting the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources and Norilsk Nickel committed themselves to signing a bilateral agreement, which will detail Norilsk Nickel's obligations to reduce the amount of waste it generates within the next three years and its plans to modernise specific production facilities. The federal service will supervise the implementation of this agreement. The government insists that Norilsk Nickel prioritise the management of environmental issues facing the Norilsk industrial zone. You either modernise or we'll have to raise the fines for breaking environmental legislation. Another challenge is providing the elderly with the opportunity to move from Norilsk to regions with milder climates. Over 11,000 Norilsk residents are on the waiting list for housing allowances for relocation, while quotas for these purposes allow for no more than 150 such people to receive these allowances annually. There's been hardly any progress here. Clearly, the state must fulfill its commitments on the provision of housing for every veteran of the Great Patriotic War and every service member. As you know, we'll resolve this issue soon. We'll also attend to the problems facing other social groups, including the people living in northern territories. They have worked hard and have deserved the right to live in comfort. We're considering ways of providing housing to more people that would like to move from the Far North. We'll do our best to help every such person. We'll develop a specific programme for Norilsk to relocate its residents to other areas of the Krasnoyarsk Territory, where the climate is milder. To the best of my knowledge, the programme is expected to relocate between 1,120 and 1,126 families annually. It will span about 10 years. An agreement for this programme will be signed today. The third challenge is dilapidated housing and utilities. Norilsk is involved in several projects implemented through the Housing and Utilities Reform Fund. About 22,000 people have already benefitted from them - in the past four years over 90 blocks of flats have been repaired here. However, the funding for this programme was low, less than 0.5 billion roubles, 350 million roubles as far as I remember. There's still more to be done. Norilsk is a very specific city. It needs a comprehensive plan to replace its entire infrastructure, not just repair separate facilities. This is why we have arranged to develop and implement a programme to improve living conditions in Norilsk. Today the Ministry of Regional Development, the government of the Krasnoyarsk Region, the administration of Norilsk and Norilsk Nickel will sign an agreement for this programme. It envisions the construction of three kindergartens here - as you know the city is short of kindergartens now. I looked through background information to find there were about 100 kindergartens here in the late 1990s and now there are less than 40, if I remember it correctly. This is a serious problem. Norilsk Nickel has committed itself to constructing two kindergartens, and one more will be provided by the local authorities. The relocation and modernisation programmes are very costly. Experts say they will require some 27 billion roubles. But given that these programmes will span 10 years, I think we'll be able to invest here as much as needed. These programmes will be funded by the federal budget, the government of the Krasnoyarsk Region and Norilsk Nickel, each of which will make equal contributions. I expect Norilsk Nickel to fully meet its commitments with the urban development programme. As we can see, the company has the funds necessary for it. In closing, during the crisis, when prices on global markets fell sharply, the government backed Norilsk Nickel by canceling export duties on nickel, copper and copper cathodes. I have mentioned this already today. But now that the situation has stabilised, world prices are quite high and production here is profitable again, duties could be reconsidered. Each party, the company and the government, has its own opinion on this. To tell you the truth, there is no consensus in the government on this issue. So let's discuss this in detail today. There's a proposal to develop a flexible formula - similar to what we have in the oil industry. It suggests that the tax and fiscal burden may be adjusted as global prices for nickel or copper rise and fall. It's important to review such proposals as soon as possible. We need a fair formula. Unless we develop it, I'll have to support my colleagues who suggest solutions that may not appeal to company executives and shareholders. Let's move on to the discussion.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11979/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11979/)

A number of documents were signed in the presence of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:12 GMT

1. Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction between the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Municipal Entity Norilsk and MMC Norilsk Nickel in Moving Residents of Norilsk and Dudinka to Districts with Favourable Natural and Social-Economic Conditions. 2. Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction between the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Municipal Entity Norilsk and MMC Norilsk Nickel in Updating and Developing Social, Engineering Infrastructure and Housing Facilities of Norilsk. 3. Agreement on Cooperation between the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources and MMC Norilsk Nickel. 4. Agreement on Entering into Negotiations on... 1. Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction between the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Municipal Entity Norilsk and MMC Norilsk Nickel in Moving Residents of Norilsk and Dudinka to Districts with Favourable Natural and Social-Economic Conditions. 2. Agreement on Cooperation and Interaction between the Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation, the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the Municipal Entity Norilsk and MMC Norilsk Nickel in Updating and Developing Social, Engineering Infrastructure and Housing Facilities of Norilsk. 3. Agreement on Cooperation between the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources and MMC Norilsk Nickel. 4. Agreement on Entering into Negotiations on Increasing the Fixed Component of Wages of MMC Norilsk Nickel's Employees. источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11980/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11980/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the Norilsk Golgotha memorial, built to commemorate the ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:41:07 GMT

After laying flowers on the symbolic mass grave, Vladimir Putin talked to members of the Protection of Victims of Political Repression public association and former Norilsk Corrective Labor Camp prisoners who attended the ceremony. During their conversation, former prisoners told the prime minister that somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 people had been imprisoned in Norillag. Members of the public thanked the prime minister for visiting the memorial complex and remembering the events that took place there. "It cannot be forgotten", Vladimir Putin answered. The Prime Minister told those who gathered for the memorial event that during Tuesday's meeting on developing Norilsk and the mining and smelting company Norilsk Nickel, he reminded the c... After laying flowers on the symbolic mass grave, Vladimir Putin talked to members of the Protection of Victims of Political Repression public association and former Norilsk Corrective Labor Camp prisoners who attended the ceremony. During their conversation, former prisoners told the prime minister that somewhere between 300,000 and 500,000 people had been imprisoned in Norillag. Members of the public thanked the prime minister for visiting the memorial complex and remembering the events that took place there. "It cannot be forgotten", Vladimir Putin answered. The Prime Minister told those who gathered for the memorial event that during Tuesday's meeting on developing Norilsk and the mining and smelting company Norilsk Nickel, he reminded the company's leaders of the price at which their business had been established. "On the one hand, it answered the country's needs, on the other - what a price had been paid," Vladimir Putin said. The prime minister added that what the prisoners of Norillag had lived through must never be forgotten, so that nothing similar can ever happen again.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11982/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11982/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin attends opening of new Oil and Gas Institute building at Siberian ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:40:53 GMT

"The Siberian Federal University has certainly moved into a leading position in Russia’s educational system." Vladimir Putin At the opening of new Oil and Gas Institute building at Siberian Federal University during his trip to Krasnoyarsk Vladimir Putin's speech at the ceremony: Please accept my warmest greetings on the first day of the new academic year. I would like to wish you success and I am confident that each of you will have some achievements this year. This is an excellent building and an excellent project - a great project involving the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the federal government and a business (although it is still state controlled, it invested over 700 million roubles). More than 400 million came from the feder... "The Siberian Federal University has certainly moved into a leading position in Russia’s educational system." Vladimir Putin At the opening of new Oil and Gas Institute building at Siberian Federal University during his trip to Krasnoyarsk Vladimir Putin's speech at the ceremony: Please accept my warmest greetings on the first day of the new academic year. I would like to wish you success and I am confident that each of you will have some achievements this year. This is an excellent building and an excellent project - a great project involving the Krasnoyarsk Territory, the federal government and a business (although it is still state controlled, it invested over 700 million roubles). More than 400 million came from the federal budget, while the territorial government contributed about 150 million. Look what a great institute we've got here. Well, it did not just appear out of nowhere, but is part of the Siberian Federal University, one of the leading Russian universities. The Siberian Federal University, established through a merger of several Krasnoyarsk institutes, has certainly moved into a leading position in Russia's educational system. It has 40,000 students. Just imagine that, 40,000 students. And many more would like to get enrolled I am sure. This university trains professionals in a broad range of fields. Graduates of the Oil and Gas Institute will certainly be in demand in Russia's oil and gas sector, which is showing booming growth. Such professionals are especially needed here in East Siberia and the Far East - desperately needed in fact because a lot of major oil and gas projects are being implemented here. They are among Russia's and the world's largest mineral extraction projects. Best wishes on the first day of the new academic year. Thank you very much.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11987/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11987/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits new Oil and Gas Institute building at Siberian Federal ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:40:49 GMT

The Prime Minister visited an exhibition in the Oil and Gas Institute lobby, which describes the institute's development and future plans. The institute representatives told the prime minister that the new building has cutting-edge facilities and equipment and includes 66 labs and rooms for practical work, 26 auditoriums and 17 classrooms for special subjects. The project was financed by Rosneft, the Federal Agency for Education and the Krasnoyarsk Territory's government. This year, 300 students enrolled on a competitive basis, with 10 applicants competing for each scholarship available. The Oil and Gas Institute is involved in innovation projects. The Prime Minister was given a tour of the new institute's research labs, where under... The Prime Minister visited an exhibition in the Oil and Gas Institute lobby, which describes the institute's development and future plans. The institute representatives told the prime minister that the new building has cutting-edge facilities and equipment and includes 66 labs and rooms for practical work, 26 auditoriums and 17 classrooms for special subjects. The project was financed by Rosneft, the Federal Agency for Education and the Krasnoyarsk Territory's government. This year, 300 students enrolled on a competitive basis, with 10 applicants competing for each scholarship available. The Oil and Gas Institute is involved in innovation projects. The Prime Minister was given a tour of the new institute's research labs, where undergraduate and graduate students work using state-of-the-art equipment. Mr Putin's escort told him that the university has received a grant for its project to develop biodegradable packaging. "You had better develop bio-generating products," Mr Putin said. At the end of his tour, the prime minister was shown a simulator to detect and handle drilling accidents. The device is almost identical to a real-life drill rig. The student who was showing how the simulator works, said the skills acquired while using it have significantly helped him to handle things on a real rig. "So you have a new base," Mr Putin said. "That's good."источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11988/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11988/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin holds a working meeting with Krasnoyarsk Territory Governor Lev ...

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:40:47 GMT

The governor reported to the prime minister that the industrial growth index in the Krasnoyarsk Territory was about 110% and that unemployment was decreasing. Special attention was paid to education issues. According to Kuznetsov, the key factors for educational institutions were their correlation with and understanding of the economy’s and labour market needs. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: Mr Kuznetsov, it's September 1 today. Your daughters go to school, don't they? Lev Kuznetsov: Yes, they went to school today. Vladimir Putin: Have they moved to this region with you? Lev Kuznetsov: Yes. Vladimir Putin:<... The governor reported to the prime minister that the industrial growth index in the Krasnoyarsk Territory was about 110% and that unemployment was decreasing. Special attention was paid to education issues. According to Kuznetsov, the key factors for educational institutions were their correlation with and understanding of the economy’s and labour market needs. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: Mr Kuznetsov, it's September 1 today. Your daughters go to school, don't they? Lev Kuznetsov: Yes, they went to school today. Vladimir Putin: Have they moved to this region with you? Lev Kuznetsov: Yes. Vladimir Putin: How do you like it here? Lev Kuznetsov: We like it very much here. Today all 1,232 schools in the Krasnoyarsk Territory opened their doors, along with 132 vocational schools. Knowledge Day is in full swing. Vladimir Putin: Are there any problems? Lev Kuznetsov: There aren't any problems. We have commissioned three schools this year. We do understand that this is not much but our goal is to renovate the education infrastructure and today's opening of the Oil and Gas Institute is a significant contribution toward this goal. We believe that a key to a successful modernisation of the economy, including our region, is above all a highly qualified workforce and trained specialists that are in demand in large-scale investment projects and at our major industries, including metallurgical, gold mining and in the defence industry as well as at industries which are new to the Krasnoyarsk Territory, especially the oil industry which employs many people here and improves the quality of life. That's why unemployment has been decreasing since the beginning of the year, along with other factors. At the beginning of this year there were 42,000 unemployed people whereas now there are about 37,000 unemployed, which corresponds to 2.3% unemployment. Vladimir Putin: These are registered unemployed residents? Lev Kuznetsov: These are officially registered unemployed people. Vladimir Putin: Well, 2.3% is a fairly good showing. To be continued...источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/12000/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/12000/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the Federal Centre of Cardiovascular Surgery in Krasnoyarsk

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:40:45 GMT

Mr Putin inspected equipment and post-operative intensive care units at the centre. He was also shown wards with rooms for one and two patients, which were equipped with individual machines for each patient and had everything necessary, including refrigerators. According to the staff, Moscow specialists, as well as locals are attracted to the centre because it offers a variety of opportunities for professional development. The centre's head physician, V.Sakovich, explained: "We receive many applications to work at the centre, and we are very selective." The Centre of Cardiovascular Surgery in Krasnoyarsk is one of seven large medical centres opening across the country.... Mr Putin inspected equipment and post-operative intensive care units at the centre. He was also shown wards with rooms for one and two patients, which were equipped with individual machines for each patient and had everything necessary, including refrigerators. According to the staff, Moscow specialists, as well as locals are attracted to the centre because it offers a variety of opportunities for professional development. The centre's head physician, V.Sakovich, explained: "We receive many applications to work at the centre, and we are very selective." The Centre of Cardiovascular Surgery in Krasnoyarsk is one of seven large medical centres opening across the country.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11990/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11990/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin arrives in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky as part of his working visit ...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:21:23 GMT

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit several facilities of the district's social and economic infrastructure and hold a meeting on the development of the fishing industry in the country. Viktor Ishayev, presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Viktor Zubkov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Krainy, Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery and the heads of the Russia's Far Eastern regions that are involved in fishery and fish processing will all participate in the meeting. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit several facilities of the district's social and economic infrastructure and hold a meeting on the development of the fishing industry in the country. Viktor Ishayev, presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Viktor Zubkov, First Deputy Prime Minister, Andrei Krainy, Head of the Federal Agency for Fishery and the heads of the Russia's Far Eastern regions that are involved in fishery and fish processing will all participate in the meeting.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11889/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11889/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the South Kamchatka federal nature reserve

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:21:21 GMT

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took a motorboat tour of the nature reserve, taking the driving seat himself for part of the route around Lake Kurile. Director of the nature reserve, Tikhon Shpilenok, told the prime minister that up to two million salmon spawn here annually, counterbalancing the effect of commercial fishing. The prime minister was shown the places where bears hunt for salmon. He asked whether poaching is a problem for the nature reserve and how many bears are killed by poachers in Kamchatka each year. The nature reserve's director replied that poachers kill some 600 bears annually but it's difficult to give an accurate figure. He added that in 2007 the police seized 400 smuggled bear paws near the village of Ozyorny indicating that poa... Prime Minister Vladimir Putin took a motorboat tour of the nature reserve, taking the driving seat himself for part of the route around Lake Kurile. Director of the nature reserve, Tikhon Shpilenok, told the prime minister that up to two million salmon spawn here annually, counterbalancing the effect of commercial fishing. The prime minister was shown the places where bears hunt for salmon. He asked whether poaching is a problem for the nature reserve and how many bears are killed by poachers in Kamchatka each year. The nature reserve's director replied that poachers kill some 600 bears annually but it's difficult to give an accurate figure. He added that in 2007 the police seized 400 smuggled bear paws near the village of Ozyorny indicating that poachers had killed at least 100 bears. However, Mr Shpilenok noted that the federal nature reserve status has enabled this wildlife area to form "the world's largest protected population of brown bears." He added that bears are attracted by fish, which is in abundance here. There are about 19,000 brown bears in Kamchatka. They account for 5% of the entire global brown bear population. The South Kamchatka wildlife reserve is part of the Kronotsky nature reserve. It encircles Lake Kurile, which formed over 8,000 years ago in the wake of a massive volcanic eruption. Lake Kurile is the world's largest salmon spawning ground. The only river that flows out of the lake is the Ozyornaya. Sockeye salmon migrate from the Sea of Okhotsk to Lake Kurile along this river.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11903/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11903/)

While on a tour of the Kamchatka Territory, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin visits the trawler ...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:21:18 GMT

Transcript of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: I'd like to greet everyone again. Good evening. It's a bit late here already you know. And we've just been unable to adjust to local time, still living on Moscow time. We regularly attend to the problems of the fishing industry, as I'm sure you know. It's something that affects you personally. It's about your work and life. We see the effect of our efforts - fish yields have increased. Last year, despite the so-called global crisis, the situation in the industries was tolerable, but not without losses. But the fishing industry ended the year with a surplus, growing by over 9%. In the first six months of this year, it grew by over 19%. Last year, the to... Transcript of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: I'd like to greet everyone again. Good evening. It's a bit late here already you know. And we've just been unable to adjust to local time, still living on Moscow time. We regularly attend to the problems of the fishing industry, as I'm sure you know. It's something that affects you personally. It's about your work and life. We see the effect of our efforts - fish yields have increased. Last year, despite the so-called global crisis, the situation in the industries was tolerable, but not without losses. But the fishing industry ended the year with a surplus, growing by over 9%. In the first six months of this year, it grew by over 19%. Last year, the total fish yield stood between 3.5 and 3.7 million metric tons, to the best of my knowledge, and this year it's already reached 2.5 million metric tons. The progress is obvious. We've moved forward on a few issues recently. But we need to review some issues again and discuss them with you to move them along. It's necessary to eliminate administrative barriers and improve legislation, notably financial regulations. Today I'll meet with the leaders of the regions that contribute to the fishing industry and government officials to review the issues we'll discuss here today. Before that official meeting, I'd like to listen to those who work on the open sea. If you have any proposals, concerns or remarks - feel free to speak. We could discuss them at the official meeting later today. So that's all I have to say by way of an introduction. The floor is yours. Question: Mr Prime Minister, thank you very much for the support you have provided to the long-line fleet. We can now go out to sea and catch fish and earn enough money to provide for our families. However, five long-liners out of 12 remain at port. They say this is because there are no quotas for them. What should be done so that these vessels can be used? Vladimir Putin: If I understand you correctly, you're referring to the vessels purchased using the German loan? Remark: Correct. Vladimir Putin: There are 27 such vessels, to the best of my knowledge? Remark: Yes, 27. Vladimir Putin: So the documents have been processed for 12 vessels, and seven are being used at sea. Five vessels are not being used, that is true. It's a matter of quotas and also excise duties. Part of them... How many of them are there? Twelve here, 27 in total, 15 outside Russia, in the ports of China and South Korea, and those need to be relocated here. Incidentally, I'm sure you know that the vessels purchased using the German loan with the guarantee of the Russian government were not registered in the Russian Federation - they were registered abroad, in Cyprus, for example, and they moved to the ports of China and South Korea after awhile. We're trying to create the conditions for fishermen to work here, under the Russian flag, and to distribute quotas between the vessels under the Russian flag only. We made these quotas quite big, as you requested, so that the quotas can be used as the basis when planning for new vessels or purchasing new equipment, with a longer production cycle. We hope that the rest of the vessels will also bear the Russian flag and get involved in the work here. Also, it's understood that the loan needs to be paid back. We agreed to create favourable conditions for the owners of the vessels to pay back the loans. As far as I know, they requested a payment period of 20 years, but were given only five years. I would say that these are quite special and favourable conditions. You only have to work. As for fishing quotas, the issue seems easy, we simply have to take them from somewhere. The head of the Federal Agency for Fishery is here, I have already tasked him with this. How are the things going now? Andrei Krainy (Head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries): Mr Putin, we have distributed all quotas, 100% of them for the next ten years, and so I'd like to suggest the following decision for these five long-liners. We should issue the corresponding instruction to Vnesheconombank and allow it to transfer vessels over to other companies in the Far East or Kamchatka or sell them. We don't have these quotas under the counter, and we can't take them out and give them to Akros. Vladimir Putin: You have distributed the quotas for the next ten years? Andrei Krainy: We have distributed all the quotas till 2017. This measure we took, and the fishermen can confirm this, allowed companies to plan for a longer term. Vladimir Putin: I know that they have asked for this. Andrei Krainy: This has attracted new investment in the industry. We have prepared an album to show what has been done on Kamchatka alone over the past two years. This measure was absolutely the right move. Akros did not receive the needed quotas because quotas are limited, this is true. To be able to service a loan, a company needs to have at least seven vessels fishing, and if there are only five vessels, they have to be sold to other companies on Kamchatka. Vladimir Putin: They can also be leased or rented... Andrei Krainy: That's true. Vladimir Putin: They don't have to necessarily sell them. Andrei Krainy: No, they don't. They can rent them, but they have to obtain permission to do this from Vnesheconombank. Vladimir Putin: The Federal Agency for Fishery is not planning to redistribute the fishing quotas, is it? Andrei Krainy: No, it isn't. I can assure you that everyone sitting at this table and all Russian fishermen will be against redistributing the quotas. Isn't this right, colleagues? Vladimir Putin: You mean that the vessels that were somewhere abroad, they simply... Andrei Krainy: No, these companies with vessels somewhere abroad have quotas, Mr Putin. The only unsettled quota issue is with these five long-liners. Those 15 sterkoders that are currently at Qingdao or Busan have quotas and we simply need to get them back here, put them under the Russian jurisdiction, hoist the Russian flag on them and they will begin fishing. These companies have the quotas. Vladimir Putin: Let them return and work here. They are idling on the sea, as far as I know, none of them has left the port since 2005. Otherwise we will lose them. Andrei Krainy: Sakhalin is working. You have tasked Sakhalin Governor Alexander Khoroshavin with looking into this issue together with the Vnesheconombank. As far as I know, progress is being made, and I believe this issue will be settled within a few weeks. Vladimir Putin: The issue with these vessels docked here is just an issue of which fleet they belong to? Andrei Krainy: Yes, all the vessels sail under the Russian jurisdiction and the Russian flag. Vladimir Putin: We have to help them. Andrei Krainy: It was easier. They've never left Kamchatka, they just sit here. Vladimir Putin: All the same. Andrei Krainy: Why does Vnesheconombank take decisions on those vessels in Korea or China so cautiously? There is fear that as soon as we lift the security freeze from these vessels to transfer them into the Russian registry... Vladimir Putin: ...they will be sold. Andrei Krainy: ...so-called third-party claims may arise. Vladimir Putin: What is the problem? Do the ship owners agree to lease or rent their ships? Andrei Krainy: Yes. The ship owners are ready to use these ships, we only need to get them back here. Vladimir Putin: No, I mean those five vessels that are here. Andrei Krainy: I spoke to the owner of that company, they are ready. Vladimir Putin: Now you are waiting for a decision from Vnesheconombank? Andrei Krainy: Yes. Vladimir Putin: The bank now has to grant permission for this? Good, we will discuss it. Andrei Krainy: Moreover, there is a company on Kamchatka that is willing to rent a long-liner and use it. Vladimir Putin: Good. I will discuss it with Vnesheconombank's management. Remark: These ships are in a good condition and are ready to work if there are quotas. Vladimir Putin: Good. I will definitely discuss this issue with Vnesheconombank's management. Yes, please. Question: Mr Putin, much has been said recently about extending the coastal fishing zone in the Far East. Fishing companies, which have their processing facilities on the coast, will profit significantly from this. Could you please tell us what changes will be made to the rules regarding commercial fishing in the region? Vladimir Putin: Fishermen have repeatedly raised this issue, including those from Russia's Far East. We have taken such a decision for the Barents Sea. A similar decision has effectively already been taken for the Far East, including Kamchatka. The corresponding commission held a meeting quite recently, on August 17 I believe, at which it took a positive decision on this issue. The decision is to allow the companies working in the coastal fishing zone to fish in the exclusive economic zone. This decision will be formalised in a government resolution within a week or ten days, but the decision has already been taken. Yes, but this doesn't mean that large vessels could go back there. Remark: No, they won't go back there. Large vessels should not be allowed to pass. I understand this very well. Vladimir Putin: When the commission took this decision, it proceeded from this premise so as not to upset the biological balance in the coastal zone. Those who work in the coastal zone can go and fish there, but large vessels should not be allowed to fish in the coastal zone with their bulky fishing gear. Question: Mr Putin, fishermen have a question: in January 2009 a resolution was adopted, which says that produce from the fishing area must pass through the nearest Russian port. We have only one port on the Kamchatka Peninsula - Petropalovsk-Kamchatsky. Suppose it will take four days to get from the Bering Sea to Petropalovsk, one day to resolve all border issues, and two days to return and unload the produce from the Far East coast. All in all, seven days are lost. This is a very big loss for any fishing company. Our fishermen met with administration officials of the Kamchatka Territory more than once. We suggested solving this problem by opening up new eastern coastal sections - the Korfa Gulf and Tilichiki. It could be a small port, but we need it at least for the fishing season, the start of navigation - from May to October. Kamchatka's western coast has Ust-Khairyuzovo, Oktyabrsky and Ozyornaya. We made such proposals. But the border patrol is a separate and serious agency, and they are not going to allow this for the time being. Vladimir Putin: But they are. Remark: I don't think we'll get anywhere without your help. Vladimir Putin: I've just spoken on the phone with the head of the Border Service. It occurred to me that you might raise this issue during our conversation. So I talked to him and he told me: We don't object. The issue boils down to capital investment - it is necessary to build the border infrastructure. The border strategy, specifically the development of the national border infrastructure, provides for its construction on the Kamchatka Peninsula, but, unfortunately, from 2013-2014, I think. We will bring it closer; this issue is about funding. I'll try to move the funding to the end of this year and the beginning of next year to start the construction of these border points for servicing ships. Remark: Thank you. Vladimir Putin: But the border guards do not object to this. They know and understand the problem. Remark: The issue is money. Vladimir Putin: It will be necessary to provide accommodations for people and install the equipment. They should have a working place. This is all understandable. I don't think that this is so expensive, and we'll try to provide the funds earlier. Question: Mr Putin, I have a request, not a question. A company has quotas in the inland waters (territorial waters) and in the exclusive convention zone. As for vessels, out of the eight types of vessels that we have, six have the right to operate in both. But here is the problem - never-ending formalities with border guards - according to Order 560 from 2007. We file an application with the relevant documents three days in advance. They process the papers during three working days and then issue either a permit or reject the application. If we receive a permit, we call for a squad and they come, register the vessel and we leave. We work for a day or two and then come back. We call for the squad four hours in advance. They come and again inspect the vessel and allow us to unload. We unload raw fish and then call for the squad again. They come and go through the motions, and our vessel departs. We have huge losses here. We didn't have such problems in the Soviet Union. The vessel was registered (cargo monitoring and inspection, quarantine control) and free to go and fish here or in the Sea of Okhotsk or in the Bering Sea. Just go and fish. But now it takes more time to process the papers for both large and small vessels than for those vessels that are bound for foreign ports or fish in the zones of foreign countries. How can this issue be resolved and these restrictions lifted? Vladimir Putin: We need to take two decisions: amend the current law, On the Border, and the government resolution you mentioned, to add to them. The issue here is the notification requirement for border crossings. On the whole, the border guards do not object to this, either. They promised to submit a draft law by September 1. This is one of the issues I discussed with them today. Actually, they claimed that the draft law has already been submitted to the government, although I haven't seen it yet. But we'll sort this out. At any rate, they promised to submit this draft by September 1. Remark: That would be good. Vladimir Putin: The only thing I wanted to say is that this notification principle of crossing the state border is not to be used by large vessels for fishing in the coastal zone. Do you know what I mean? I report that I'm going to unload or to refuel. I cross the coastal zone, lower my trail net and begin to operate. Remark: There is an order from the Federal Agency - a list of ships that have the right to operate... Vladimir Putin: After all, we are not monitoring you; you lower the trail nets or you don't; we don't really know. Andrei Krainy: Mr Putin, it's not that quick or easy to operate or to make a catch. And the fishermen know - today quotas are issued for 10 years, and if you violate the fishing rules, you get a yellow card the first time and a red card the second time. You will lose your quota rights. Vladimir Putin: Well, all right. If the head of the agency thinks so. Andrei Krainy: I don't believe they will violate the rules. Vladimir Putin: Well, that's it. Now the border guards are proposing a law, and we will make a decision - we'll change the government resolution, if you all agree, we'll do so. We strive to protect your interests. Sometimes the state does so with excessive force, thereby creating conditions for corruption and slow response, excessive administrative barriers, but lately we have, as you can see, tried to deal with the issues. We will move in this direction. Remark: It's simply common sense that dictates doing this. Vladimir Putin: You see, when I sign the relevant documents, I rely on expert opinion. And the experts say large vessels should not be allowed to fish in the coastal area or else we will overfish and destroy this supply. That's how the Japanese have overfished everything in their waters... Remark: We need to introduce a monitoring system. Vladimir Putin: The system is there. And the fish ... The Japanese, too, have a system as the captain just showed - and all equipment on his ship is Japanese. Still, there is no fish left there, and the crabs were all caught, everything was swept clean. We just have to be more careful with this. As for these excessive administrative barriers, I agree with you completely. Remark: It seems we have a single goal - the efficiency of using the fleet. Right? Why do you have to run around for three or four days, when you reached the port... This is security. Vladimir Putin: We will work on this. Please, are there any more suggestions? Question: Mr Putin, when shipping fish to the domestic market today, we have to pass very strict veterinary inspections. This involves very high costs. The supervisory authority sets high standards. And sometimes, of course, it's easier, cheaper and faster for us to send products overseas than to the domestic market. Is it possible to avoid and reduce costs, particularly in veterinary clearance? Vladimir Putin: Yes, it's possible. In general, a decision has been made on this issue, and we will finalize it shortly. This system will work. What does it entail? The Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo) will perform this function from the fishing zone to the shore. The Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare (Rospotrebnadzor) will do so from the coast to the consumer. That is all. Remark: It costs up to 100,000 roubles to register one ship, and this is only to file documents. Vladimir Putin: And I want to stress that we will, in fact, introduce such a procedure on your recommendation, on the recommendation of fishermen themselves. Andrei Krainy: Mr Putin, the government has all the documents it needs for this. The session will open - we are just waiting for the start of the next State Duma session - and we'll submit a draft law to the Duma. Remark: We can't operate like this. Remark: When there is veterinary control - here we make available our products for inspection, obtain permits - and that's all. But when we take our products to Vladivostok, they do not accept these documents... Vladimir Putin: That's what we try to simplify, to make the appropriate changes to the existing legislation - two agencies that will make the final decision. I repeat, from ship to shore - Rosrybolovstvo, from the shore to the consumer - Rospotrebnadzor. And that's all. One solution for all products. Yevgeny Sadovnikov (captain of the trawler Mikhail Staritsin): Mr Putin, so we just walked through the ship. In general, vessels of this generation form the basis of the entire fishing fleet - different types, but one generation. They are outdated in every sense of the word. But this, of course, entails ... We need to keep an eye on them somehow, to invest in ship repairs and maintenance; we must invest in upgrades to increase our competitiveness. For example, this vessel consumes 18 tonnes of fuel oil per day. That's a lot, of course. True, in these two crisis years, the government, of course, helped us pay for the very same lease payments, parts of them, with subsidised loan interest. Will the government continue to help us in this endeavour? Will the government help us in the implementation of, maybe, a ship-building programme? But again, if it is a domestically built ship, it has to be competitive, because in general, we are used to working with good equipment, and our work should be economically substantiated. Now there are very large costs. How does the government envision helping us? We're not able to manage on our own steam. Vladimir Putin: Mr Sadovnikov, we started from this point in 2009, when it was hard for everyone, including fishermen. As you correctly pointed out - we are subsidising interest rates on loans taken out for the purchase of vessels, equipment and so on, subsidising the lease payments and so on. This is all built into a comprehensive federal programme, which will operate until 2014. We have allocated somewhere around 32 billion roubles for this. This programme will work. Regarding subsidies, in 2009 they were provided, 2010 is ready and they will be provided for 2011 as well. How much is it, do you remember? Remark: Around 700 million has been allocated for 2011 to subsidise two-thirds of the interest rate. Vladimir Putin: Yes, that means, if there is 700 million, I can say that in 2009 it was a little bigger than one billion - 1.07 billion roubles, to be exact. In 2010, it is 600 million, and in 2011 it will be a little more than that. Remark: Mr Putin, many regions provide two-thirds subsidies, and many regions, like Kamchatka, subsidize one-third more - that makes it 100%. Vladimir Putin: Mr Sadovnikov is interested in what the Government will do. So, we will do this. The issue of building modern ships - this is, of course, a major issue, and one that is very complex and large. To do this, we resorted to issuing quotas for 10 years, so that you can now use this allocation to work with banking institutions. I think Mr Sadovnikov is right. We need to consider additional measures to support special shipbuilding for fishing. This, incidentally, is a niche that we can fully occupy - large tonnage vessels. South Korea has it in Pusan, but we do not - there are, actually, few such shipyards in the world. In terms of fishing ships, we are definitely capable of building modern vessels. And it should be a separate programme within the framework of the newly established company - a joint stock state company. Yevgeny Sadovnikov: Mr Putin, in this regard, we've received our quotas for 10 years. We are concerned about this formulation, since after this period, the quotas will be distributed subject to purchase, let's say, sponsorship of our shipbuilding industry, which, unfortunately, is not competitive today. We have already seen that it is better to have healthy competition, and it is currently cheaper and more economically advantageous to buy foreign vessels, unfortunately. Vladimir Putin: Mr Sadovnikov, this issue is a universal one for us. Our airlines say the same thing. They say - give us the opportunity to buy Airbuses and Boeings with zero import duties on aircraft. With all due respect, Mr Sadovnikov, if we simply did that - we would never have our own aircraft industry, and Russia would lose all of its skills and competence in this area. Therefore, we need to find a happy medium. We need to allow import purchases on some things, but we also need to be clear with the buyers that in such-and-such a time we will have a domestic shipbuilding programme, and we will gradually tighten the screws associated with imports. We do the same thing for the automotive industry, and I think we need to do the same in this field. Yevgeny Sadovnikov: That explains it, the motto during the U.S. crisis - "Be American - Buy American." And we are in favour of our manufacturers. Fully in favour. Vladimir Putin: Mr Sadovnikov, I say that at some point, you can and should be allowed to purchase what is best, but there must be some planning horizon in the shipbuilding industry and for ship-building technology consumers. Everyone should know when, from what time, let's be frank, some preferences will be given to domestic manufacturers as the quality of their products improves. Remark: Mr Putin, here in early summer, we held a major meeting in Vladivostok with fishermen from all over Russia. We already have projects, new projects, joint Russian-Norwegian projects. We agreed that at first, in the early years, we need to import duty-free technological equipment that we do not yet produce domestically. But we need to build ships in Russia using imported technology. Vladimir Putin: Right now we plan to build two shipyards, one with the Japanese, the other with South Korea. These will have modern technology, modern equipment. Remark: Yes, that's the solution. Bring the Norwegians, Spanish, Koreans here. Vladimir Vasiliev: Mr Putin, I have the following question. In the not too distant past, our country's flag was seen in all the oceans. Currently, we have lost, to a certain extent, the priority in fishing. We should take fish in the oceans; we will always be able to catch our own fish. What does our country think about this? Vladimir Putin: Good for you, Mr Vasiliev, right! First we have to eat our neighbours' fish, and then our own. Vladimir Vasiliev: We need ships, new ships. And state support. Vladimir Putin: You see, we try to maintain both. All of these subsidies take a lot of money out of the state budget. Andrei Krainy: Colleagues, allow me to say a few words. In the first place, we have lost nothing, thank God. We re-signed agreements with all the countries - Morocco, Mauritania, and in Africa, with Namibia... Vladimir Putin: By the way, they are being very friendly and amenable... Andrei Krainy: And Namibians still remember how we helped them when they fought with South Africa, so we have a good relationship. We have now fully regained our presence in the Eastern Central Atlantic. Now, we will sign an agreement with Peru, and will be allowed into the Peruvian zone. A research vessel is on its way to Peru now. But, we, of course, need a new fleet... And, of course, the state will support us. However, Mr Putin, we will always be able to fish in our own zone. At present, we are all piling up at the 200-mile zone resources, our own, and they are certainly rich - the Barents and Bering Seas - but using our resources like this means undermining our own fishing zone. We must fish elsewhere. We have lost nothing in terms of international practice - we have re-signed all our agreements. Yevgeny Sadovnikov: Mr Putin, I have the following question - maybe it's not very relevant, but it's such a shame for our fishing industry. We watch TV as our distinguished people - artists, athletes, and many others - are awarded. Present here are the representatives of different companies; tell me, who has been awarded government awards in the last 10 years, or even 15 years? Fishermen, I mean. And we have many distinguished people. Vladimir Putin: I can show you right now who is to blame for that. Andrei Krainy: Mr Putin, only when you point your finger, make no mistake, please, because I represent the governor. Vladimir Putin: Why are you the governor? You're just the head of the industry. Andrei Krainy: I represent the governor in terms of procedure. But I can tell you about it, colleagues. Vladimir Putin: Well, the governor is also here, so we can also point the finger at him. Andrei Krainy: Kamchatka, in this sense, is a truly disadvantaged region. But, in fairness, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has only just signed the decrees. Large groups of people from Kaliningrad, Murmansk and Primorye have been awarded. So your trade unions and your regional directors need... Vladimir Putin: Well, what will they say: Award me, I'm good? Andrei Krainy: The company director should file... Vladimir Putin: Wait a second! It is you, as the leader of the industry and governor, who should monitor what happens on the ships. Andrei Krainy: Agreed. A draft decree will be prepared for Kamchatka. But by the way, this is the only region that is left neglected now. This issue was raised a year ago, and we have responded promptly. In the past, we had, of course, captains as Heroes of Socialist Labour, and the shipping vessels were really honoured. This affects the image of the industry because the work is really very hard. Therefore, we accept this criticism and the relevant draft decree will be prepared. Vladimir Putin: In effect, Mr Sadovnikov raised an important issue. A moral incentive is often more important than material gain for an honest man. Andrei Krainy: Agreed. Mr Putin, we are also awarding Kamchatka residents with a large number of departmental awards. We also have an insignia for fishing industry veterans, a medal in two classes, and certificates of honour and gratitude. For example, on Fisherman's Day we have awarded 1,150 people in the industry with departmental honours. Vladimir Putin: In any case, thank you very much for today's conversation. Response: Thank you. Vladimir Putin: Thank you very much.источник новости: http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11904/ (http://premier.gov.ru/eng/events/news/11904/)

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky on measures to ...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:08:17 GMT

"We see the advancement of the fishing industry as one of our key priorities. Despite the federal budget limits, we’ve decided to maintain spending on the federal targeted programme in the industry at the original level (over 32 billion roubles) and to extend [the programme] for one more year, through 2014." Vladimir Putin At a meeting in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky on measures to advance Russia’s fishing industry Promoting the fishing industry remains a key government priority, Prime Minister Putin emphasised at the meeting. Among government support measures, Vladimir Putin mentioned lifting customs duties for imported biological seafood. In addition, the prime minister emphasised the need to streamline the system of state veterinary oversight and... "We see the advancement of the fishing industry as one of our key priorities. Despite the federal budget limits, we’ve decided to maintain spending on the federal targeted programme in the industry at the original level (over 32 billion roubles) and to extend [the programme] for one more year, through 2014." Vladimir Putin At a meeting in Petropavlovsk Kamchatsky on measures to advance Russia’s fishing industry Promoting the fishing industry remains a key government priority, Prime Minister Putin emphasised at the meeting. Among government support measures, Vladimir Putin mentioned lifting customs duties for imported biological seafood. In addition, the prime minister emphasised the need to streamline the system of state veterinary oversight and to create a workable system of monitoring the fish-processing sector. Speaking on shipbuilding, Vladimir Putin said Russian companies should only purchase foreign built ships when a Russian equivalent is not available and added that, like the aircraft industry, shipbuilding needs regulatory mechanisms which will not hamper the development of the Russian industry. Mr Putin's opening remarks: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. We've been discussing issues related to the fishing industry quite often this year, and this was also the case in the past two or three years. It should be noted that the industry is responding with good performance. As of July this year, the total catch of bio-resources came to 2.5 million tonnes - more than in the same period last year. So there's been some obvious headway made, with a year-on-year increase of 160,000 tons. But as we're all aware, good catch is just the beginning of a long production chain, which includes stages such as processing, transportation, and distribution. At the end of the day, success will be measured by the share that local products hold in our domestic market. For reference, the share of Russian-made products in domestic consumption was 72.4% in 2009, while by 2014 it has to reach at least 80.5%. We see the advancement of the fishing industry as one of our key priorities. Despite the federal budget limits, we've decided to maintain spending on the federal targeted programme in the industry at the original level (over 32 billion roubles) and to extend [the programme] for one more year, through 2014. As you know, we subsidize loans taken out by enterprises to build and upgrade vessels as well as to develop processing and storage infrastructure for the fishing industry. Funds are also being spent to set up special fish markets in Russian regions. By the way, it would be interesting to hear from you today about where the first such markets are going to appear. The industry's top management has its own plans for this. I'd like to emphasise that in its efforts to deal with problems of the fishing industry, the government maintains a constant dialogue with enterprises and industry associations, trying to take their interests and their economic situation into account. We also help them implement business initiatives and development plans. For instance, acting on a market operators' request, we've issued a resolution to expand the coastal fishing area in the Barents Sea. Here, too, a similar resolution is in the making. We decided this in principle at a commission session on August 17, and are now preparing a government resolution to this effect. Our April meeting in Murmansk proved highly productive as well. It raised several issues related to the removal of excessive administrative barriers and the improvement of the sector's state regulation mechanisms. We managed to find some specific solutions. One is about scrapping customs clearance requirements for fish being brought into Russia. We discussed this again just before our current meeting. Experts believe that it will take just one more government resolution to lift customs duties on seafood. We intend to make it duty-free now. Indeed, it's not fair that fishermen catching fish in our exclusive economic zone should be obligated to pay customs duty as if they were importing something. It's nonsensical. I totally agree that it should be scrapped. But [to make this happen] we'll probably have to introduce some relevant amendments into the Customs Code of the Customs Union of Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan. I don't think our Belarusian and Kazakh counterparts will protest, though, as this issue is of no interest to them whatsoever. We must also streamline the system of state veterinary oversight. I met with fishermen just now, and they raised this issue once again. I told them, too, that we'd already made the decision in principle. I'd like to inform you that we're going to remove all redundant types of regulation now. Sanitary control [of fish] from the place of catch to the shore will be done under the supervision of the Russian Agency for Fishery while the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Protection and Welfare will monitor fish the rest of the way to the consumers. Also, we agreed to create a workable system of monitoring the fish-processing sector. Today, I'd like to hear reports from officials of the relevant agencies on the implementation of these instructions, including with regard to the drafting of appropriate regulatory acts. I also hope to hear your proposals on further improvement of control and other administrative procedures in the fishing industry. We also need to reflect on how to eliminate redundant border control requirements - not all of them, mind you, but just those that are redundant (the fishermen also raised this issue at our meeting right before). The idea is to ensure the protection of our borders while also alleviating the strain of border control formalities for the fishermen. Currently, they're supposed to send a notification 34 days in advance, then spend a couple of days on their vessel waiting for inspectors to arrive; afterwards they proceed to the shore to submit more paperwork to the relevant agency. That's excessive, clearly. Border control officers have nothing against [lifting some of the requirements]. So, all these formalities just need to be streamlined. I also think it's important we examine today some of the issues related to coastal processing and logistics. The challenge is to make sure that fish caught here, on the Pacific Coast, or in sub-Arctic regions, is distributed to consumers all across the country regardless of distance, and that it is high-quality and affordable. * * * Vladimir Putin's concluding remarks: Russia, obviously, is a maritime state, so fishing is of critical importance, and this includes all aspects of the business. These are the catch, on which fishermen's incomes and their families' wellbeing depend; supplying Russian-caught fish to our population, which is all the more important as fish is a major part of a balanced diet; and then there are transport problems, meaning delivering the fish to the primary consumer areas. Last but not least, the matter involves industry. As I have said, there is a natural clash of interests here. Russian fishermen want to purchase quality ships, which are presently available abroad, while our shipbuilders want them to buy ships at our wharves. Remember, shipbuilders are our people like any other, and they have families. They also have production potential, and the nation's future depends on them. Where else does our future lie? In nuclear and other energy industries, ship and aircraft building, space exploration, nanotechnology and other high technology. We will be a third-rate - not even second-rate! - country unless we think of a way to develop all these areas, and our third-rate status will eventually impact us all - fishermen, industrialists, and so on and so forth. But again, we need the wisdom of Solomon not to undermine the fishing industry while giving shipbuilders a chance at the same time. An important rule is to always face reality. We must acknowledge that, to put it mildly, we are not presently among the leaders of commercial shipbuilding, and civilian aircraft-building, for that matter. We certainly lead the world in military aircraft-building and shipbuilding, especially for some classes of submarines, but here - not yet. However, this is surely one of our niches, and we must work in it. This is where the paradox lies: if foreign manufacturers are clever - and our foreign colleagues, partners and friends must be very clever, otherwise they would not be so efficient - they see that if the Russian market has no restrictions, they will never come here with their technology, which we need, and so they need to know that the Russian market will introduce some restrictions at a certain stage. Everyone should know this. What we need is for our cooperation to be governed by lasting and transparent rules. We will formulate this objective in general today, and we will tackle the problem together. The regional governors who are here will also take part in this work. They are interested in the development of both fishing and shipbuilding, and in partnering with fishermen, trade unions and employers' organisations. I only ask you to make it a genuine corporate partnership free of parochial lobbying and the parochial egotism of fishermen and shipbuilders alike. This should be teamwork aimed at satisfying everyone and revealing our prospects for future progress and its stages. I repeat, this is the place to talk about what the Kamchatka Territory governor has said: we will create conditions necessary to import parts and equipment. We will encourage our partners to establish joint ventures and even companies with 100% foreign capital in this country. But I want you to realise that our partners need to know whether they can come to work here, or whether our market will be closed to them. But these should be our joint decisions. Let me say it even more clearly: after we make our joint decision, we expect that we will have no rows over it in this country, and that Western manufacturers will not come here to stir up the row. So we will make the decision together with you and, after it is made, I expect that we will implement it together. Thank you.

During a visit to the Far Eastern Federal District Prime Minister Vladimir Putin holds a ...

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:08:14 GMT

The prime minister instructed the governor to personally supervise a flood response and provide the necessary help to those affected. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: A state of emergency has been declared in your region due to the floods. What is being done in response to the flooding and to help people? Nikolai Dudov: The response headquarters is up and it has identified how dangerous the flooding is. A decision has been taken to stabilise the situation. These efforts include the regional department of the Emergencies Situations Ministry and road maintenance companies. This being a federal motorway, the federal road maintenance agencies have also sent in equipment and provided th... The prime minister instructed the governor to personally supervise a flood response and provide the necessary help to those affected. Transcript of the beginning of the meeting: Vladimir Putin: A state of emergency has been declared in your region due to the floods. What is being done in response to the flooding and to help people? Nikolai Dudov: The response headquarters is up and it has identified how dangerous the flooding is. A decision has been taken to stabilise the situation. These efforts include the regional department of the Emergencies Situations Ministry and road maintenance companies. This being a federal motorway, the federal road maintenance agencies have also sent in equipment and provided the necessary funds to repair the ruptures. Vladimir Putin: Road ruptures. Nikolai Dudov: Yes. The water is still high in rivers and streams. However, efforts are being taken to mend the road ruptures. Vladimir Putin: There are settlements that have been isolated by water. Nikolai Dudov: Yes, that's true. Two-way traffic on the federal motorway has effectively stopped at this point. About 40 vehicles on either side can not drive through. So we plan to assist those people who ended up in this situation with both accommodation and food. In special emergencies when there's an urgent need to transport people across this natural barrier we make a special effort. We transport those who need help like this. I believe the situation will stabilise soon. I would like to emphasise once again that the workers deployed in the region are making this possible. Vladimir Putin: Do you have a sufficient work forces and resources? Nikolai Dudov: We will be able to mend this road rupture ourselves. Vladimir Putin: If you evacuate people from the emergency area you will have to provide them with everything they need including food and accommodation. We also need to look ahead to see what will happen to their property. Some property may be lost to the floods. Nikolai Dudov: Major problems have arisen, Mr Prime Minister, in regard to people leaving on vacation. There are flights, the tickets to which have been purchased, and we are addressing this issue. We are trying to explain departure delays, to settle related issues, trying to arrange other flights so that people are not stranded. Vladimir Putin: Do you mean those people who are blocked on the roads? Nikolai Dudov: Yes. Vladimir Putin: I'm speaking about local residents. Nikolai Dudov: The villages are currently in no serious danger. Vladimir Putin: Well, there are settlements isolated by water, aren't there? Nikolai Dudov: All the settlements have the necessary reserves for this emergency. Vladimir Putin: Okay. But you have to supervise the situation personally. Nikolai Dudov: Okay. Vladimir Putin: Naturally, we have to help people who are stopped on the roads. They may be completely isolated. Nikolai Dudov: Mr Putin, we have all the necessary technical resources to transport those people who want to get from one side to the other in an emergency. We have this capability. Vladimir Putin: Good. Report back to me on the situation later today. Nikolai Dudov: Good. Vladimir Putin: Thank you.