Prime Minister Vladimir Putin held a meeting with Governor of Krasnodar Territory Alexander Tkachev
Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: Mr Tkachev, as I can see work in the region is in progress. Will you elaborate on the overall outlook in the region?
Alexander Tkachev: We have optimised 85% of the local budget amid the current economic recession. Finances are being allocated for the social sector, particularly, for paying wages and finishing work at construction sites this year, with the renovation of regional and municipal schools and hospitals in cities, towns and villages. We have to economise on finances, which is the norm in the current conditions.
Vladimir Putin: What about the region's industry?
Alexander Tkachev: The local industry is experiencing an 8% drop, which I hope will the biggest fall it will ever go through.
Vladimir Putin: You mean no further drops are going to occur?
Alexander Tkachev: That's correct. At the very least, we perceive and estimate no more falls, and expect that the figure will go down by the end of the year.
The unemployment rate in the region amounts to only 1%, quite a low figure.
This year's local budget has shown a 2% growth as compared to 2008, which is rather good in the current crisis conditions. The gross domestic product has increased by about 1%.
Vladimir Putin: Has the gross regional product indicated any growth?
Alexander Tkachev: The GRP has increased by 1%.
Vladimir Putin: Are there any wage delays?
Alexander Tkachev: We have had no such delays. We have eliminated all wage debts, which amounted to 2.28 million roubles.
