Transcript of the beginning of the meeting:
Vladimir Putin: We have already started discussing your region. What other problems do you have, besides those you have mentioned? What else do you want to say?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Mr Putin, our main task today is to observe our social obligations to the people, and our entire programme of action is based on this premise. We realize that on the one hand, these are our commitments, but on the other, that we must develop industry in order to honour them.
Everything we have said today regarding the Novomoskovsky project is only the beginning of the long road to industrial development, a road that we have started following. Apart from samovars and gingerbread, Tula has long been represented by new industries, such as the food industry, which includes growing beets. The American Calve company is actively expanding its business here, as are other global companies. («cluster» doesn't work here, but I'm not sure what «кластер»means)
Vladimir Putin: What about wages and salaries?
Vyacheslav Dudka: As of September 10, the average salary for the region is 13,800 roubles. In agriculture, it is 10,120 roubles.
Vladimir Putin: Are wages higher here in Novomoskovsk?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes, because here we have the processing industry. The unemployment level is 1.82%.
Vladimir Putin: Are their delays in paying salaries and wages?
Vyacheslav Dudka: There are no delays in the public sector, but private companies owe 87 million roubles.
Vladimir Putin: 87 million roubles is a lot.
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes, it is but we are working on that. We have a commission working on this issue, and we are holding conferences. In short, we are exerting pressure on employers.
Vladimir Putin: Are programmes for fighting unemployment working in the region?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes, we signed an agreement for 594 million roubles with the federal agency.
Vladimir Putin: Have you received it yet?
Vyacheslav Dudka: We have received 284,000 roubles. Using that money, 8,000 people will be retrained, 500 people will receive support for their small businesses, and 600 people will receive practical training after vocational schools. We have fully carried out the practical training programme. In fact, 610 more people attended it than was initially planned.
Small businesses have been set up by 275 people. Another 211 projects are being developed now.
We have signed public works' agreements that will employ 24,500 people. People are working and being trained. We are now preparing a second application because this system is working. I think we should make use of it.
Vladimir Putin: So you have implemented employment arrangements, haven't you?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes we have. The main point is that both workers and heads of companies see that this is necessary.
Vladimir Putin: Are you ready for winter?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes, we have fully provided ourselves with fuel. The Tula Region was one of the first to prepare for winter. We tested everything, stored reserve fund, and set up about 150 teams.
Vladimir Putin: And you have checked everything?
Vyacheslav Dudka: Yes, we have done everything. We are ready.
Vladimir Putin: How much have you increased gas supplies in your region in the past year?
Vyacheslav Dudka: We are now 14th. In agriculture, we have increased gas supplies by 6.5% in the last four years. Now gas is delivered to 44% of the countryside. On the whole, 82% of our region has been provided with gas.
Vladimir Putin: Not bad at all.