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: Mr Darkin, let us discuss the social and economic situation, and the preparations for the APEC summit.
Sergei Darkin: Thank you for this meeting, Mr Putin. 2008 was a rather successful year-the gross regional product grew by 6%, slightly over the national average. The financial and economic crisis was less severe in the Primorye Territory than in the entire country in the fourth quarter, but hit us in this year's first quarter.
However, budget revenues were 7% more than in 2007, and we are meeting all consolidated budget targets. Profit tax revenues have fallen slightly but the income tax has compensated it.
Vladimir Putin: Have you made any decisions on small businesses?
Sergei Darkin: Yes, we have. The region has 35,000 small and medium-size companies, which altogether account for 22% of the gross regional product and 40% of the trade turnover. We have established a warranty fund to compensate loan interest on decisions made last year, though we are not compensating profit taxes from the local budget.
All told, regional allocations promoting small and medium-size companies amount to 240 million roubles. 22% is not a poor figure; in addition, we expect such companies to stay afloat.
Vladimir Putin: How much have you increased housing rents and utilities fees?
Sergei Darkin: We are complying with the standards of the Federal Tariff Service, which has set this year's average tariff at 12% for the Primorye Territory.
Vladimir Putin: It is slightly more than 16% for the whole country.
Sergei Darkin: Our energy tariff for the population is one of Russia's lowest on account of our low-cost coal. This source has been affordable following your help in developing our coal mining sector.
Vladimir Putin: Why have you left the Russian Tungsten personnel to the whim of fate?
Sergei Darkin: Mr Putin, we have given a 3,000 rouble grant to each of its 222 employees on your order.
Vladimir Putin: When did they receive it?
Sergei Darkin: On Monday.
Vladimir Putin: But how were they surviving before? I heard about this a mere week ago but you must have known of this as well-you are always there.
Sergei Darkin: The staff wants us to buy the company and turn it into regional property.
Vladimir Putin: Buy the company?
Sergei Darkin: Yes. We are negotiating with the proprietor. Regrettably, he is not in the Primorye Territory now.
Vladimir Putin: He is in hiding, somewhere in Moscow.
Sergei Darkin: Yes. I think we will get the plant going again in the near future.
Vladimir Putin: This matter requires your serious attention. I will order the Ministry of Regional Development to assist you. If you require support, we will help.
Sergei Darkin: The plant had its license annulled in January because it had stopped production, but we will find a new, competent proprietor.
Vladimir Putin: You are in the best position to judge. Please inform me if you need help.
Sergei Darkin: Thank you, Mr Putin. Now, I have a few words on the APEC summit and our development prospects.
Vladimir Putin: Please go ahead.
Sergei Darkin: As for the summit venue, construction is progressing according to schedule. Thank you for maintaining all federal allocations. The allotment of 208 million roubles is sufficient not only for the planning and construction of the Far Eastern Federal University in Vladivostok but also for other local purposes. Thus, comparatively speaking, we are financially comfortable, given the current economic crisis.
Bridge and other construction projects are meeting their deadlines.
Mr Putin, please come to see our construction works. I think we will be ready when it is necessary.
Vladimir Putin: All right.
Sergei Darkin: Sewage disposal works, highways and the Far Eastern Federal University are our main targets, as you have said. We have arranged our work accordingly, while we are also making preparations to host the APEC summit.
Vladimir Putin: Vladivostok also should feel the effects of development. Its streets should be brought to order and houses repaired for the city to see that summit preparations are in progress. The groundwork for the summit should cross the boundaries of Russky Island. Please devote to your work, in tandem with the Government's efforts..
Sergei Darkin: Yes, I know. Thank you, Mr Putin. We are also ready with priority investment projects for the Primorye Territory, and they have been approved.
