VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Transcript of the start of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Please go ahead, Mr Shtyrov. How are things in your region?
Vyacheslav Shtyrov: Mr Putin, there are some problems that require solution at the government level. We have discussed them in ministries and departments. Most of them are linked with the operation of our major export-oriented companies. This applies to ALROSA, the flagship of our diamond mining.
As you know, last year we had a major event - Surgutneftegaz commissioned the first oil deposits. This year, we will produce two million tons of oil that will be transported via the Eastern Siberia-Pacific pipeline.
In general, this work is going well but there are some economic issues pertaining to the oil industry that I'd like to discuss with you.
You know that coal mining is traditional for us. In principle, coal-mining companies worked very well last year. This year, however, we have faced some problems. They concern not only the current work linked with the position of the markets but also (and primarily) investment programmes.
We need to commission new coal deposits, including the giant Elgin deposit. The life and future of Neryungri, the main city in southern Yakutia, depend on it. This is why the Government should make some decisions on this issue.
Needless to say, the operation of the major companies largely determines our republic's economic status. Suffice it to say that they produce about 60% of our budget revenues and are the main means of attracting investment for the republic's future development.
The republic is developing under the programme through 2020. You instructed our authorities to draft this programme in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) in 2006. The Government endorsed it in 2007. We are carrying it out, and are receiving enormous investment. Last year we doubled the amount of investment. Today, the republic is among the top five regions in per capita investment. We must continue to pursue this programme.
The crisis that affected the performance of these companies has produced an impact on the republic's labour market. The financial turnover of companies was also affected. We have some problems, but it goes without saying that we are working on them. Today, we are submitting our programme for additional employment measures to the ministry for approval.
In keeping with tradition, in December and January our republican government discussed reports by 40 major companies with which we coordinated the plans of work. Reports are made not only by our republic's companies, but by all those that work on our territory: Transneft, Surgutneftegaz, Mechel, and so on. We have now drafted a special programme for this work. We have revealed the problems linked with economic development, which I'd like to discuss with you.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Shtyrov, coal, oil, metal and even diamond prices have plunged in the world markets, but the price of gold is growing, and gold is mined in your republic.
Vyacheslav Shtyrov: True. Last year we ranked second in Russia, having mined 18 tonnes of gold. This year we are also planning to mine 18 tonnes. It is no secret that we are facing certain problems. What are they connected with? Placers account for 70% of Yakutia's gold mines, but there are also gold mining associations that have a seasonal work cycle. They have no fixed production pattern when they sell what they have mined, as distinct from the companies that work at primary gold deposits, for example Polyus Gold. It is these mining associations that need loans to launch production.
This year it became very difficult to receive loans. For certain reasons, many banks that traditionally issued loans to us either refused to do it or set tough conditions. And after all, these are small companies - prospectors' crews.
Vladimir Putin: We will settle the gold mining issue. More to the point, I would like to reiterate that I know that gold prices are growing in the world markets.
Vyacheslav Shtyrov: We discussed this question in the Finance Ministry. The thing is that we transfer a considerable part of gold over to the State Fund. To receive a loan with a bank, we will act as a consolidated customer - the guarantor of our companies. We will thus receive a cash advance and help our mining associations. We are cooperating with the State Depository of Precious Metals and Gems; on Saturday we are holding a meeting with Yakutia's gold miners. I believe that we will resolve this issue - we will settle all the problems of the gold mining industry.
Vladimir Putin: That's good.
