Yesterday Vladimir Putin visited Moscow State University of Railway Engineering for a meeting with presidium members of Russia's Transport Workers' Union.
The prime minister was welcomed at the university's main entrance by a bronze student of the Imperial Moscow Engineering School, the name the university received at its inception in 1896. Later, Putin was presented a miniature bronze copy of the university's talisman, which he took to the White House.
The prime minister visited classrooms and attended the signing of an agreement on the establishment of a joint venture between Ford Motor Company and Sollers. The parties also signed a memorandum of intent with Vnesheconombank for financing the project.
At the presidium meeting of Russia's Transport Workers' Union, the prime minister explained the aim of the project.
"Competition is growing," Vladimir Putin said. "This is especially relevant for the creation of the Common Economic Space. We are encouraging integration with the European Union and discussing the possibility of creating a free trade zone."
The prime minister reminded the meeting participants that Russia is involved in talks on accession to the World Trade Organisation, which is very important for aviators, seamen, river transport workers, and many others.
"If we miss something or make unnecessary concessions, it will have an immediate effect on real operations, on your profits and losses," the prime minister told transport workers." Today we must improve our communication with you, and we are ready for that. By the way, the aim of the Russian Popular Front is to improve these communications, including those with professional associations.
* * *
Komsomolskaya Pravda reference note
Six basic Ford models, including upgraded versions of Focus, Mondeo and Transit will be produced in Vsevolozhsk (Leningrad Region), Naberezhnye Chelny and Special Economic Zone Alabuga, Tatarstan, as part of the Ford-Sollers project. Ford will also bring out new models in 2012-2014. The partners plan to build a plant with a capacity of 180,000 engines per year by 2015.
* * *
Prime minister also said
The transport tax will be canceled after all. During his meeting with transport workers, Vladimir Putin confirmed that the transport tax will be cancelled. "We plan to lift excise duties on fuel and to abolish the transport tax," the prime minister said. He reminded those present that the transport tax had been initially proposed by the regions. Originally it was planned to lift excise duties. "But they [the regions] urged us not to raise excise duties," Mr Putin said. "That does not mean that we will not lift them in future."
Alexander Gamov