{"id":219436,"date":"2022-09-12T12:00:51","date_gmt":"2022-09-12T11:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/?p=219436"},"modified":"2022-09-10T04:38:42","modified_gmt":"2022-09-10T03:38:42","slug":"putin-sees-future-with-asia-and-claims-western-economic-decline-in-new-speech","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.transcend.org\/tms\/2022\/09\/putin-sees-future-with-asia-and-claims-western-economic-decline-in-new-speech\/","title":{"rendered":"Putin Sees Future with Asia and Claims Western Economic Decline in New Speech"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin addressed Western sanctions, Russia\u2019s growing relationship with Asia and an update on Ukraine.<\/em><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n
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Vladimir Putin speaking at a plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum.
kremlin.ru, CC BY 4.0 https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9 Sep 2022 – <\/em>The Russian President stressed the rise of the economic state of Asia-Pacific countries and claimed the decline of the West in a speech given at the Eastern Economic Forum on Sept. 7 in Vladivostok in Far East Russia.Putin emphasized the \u201cirreversible, tectonic shifts\u201d occurring in international relations which have allowed for Asia-Pacific countries to emerge \u201cas new centres of economic and technological growth, attracting human resources, capital and manufacturing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The remarks are especially significant following reports<\/a> that Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet in Uzbekistan next week. Putin even references the recent decision that sees Gazprom, Russia\u2019s state-run energy corporation, \u201cswitch[ing] to 50\/50 transactions in rubles\u00a0and yuan with respect to gas payments,\u201d as opposed to US dollars.<\/p>\n

The recent economic performance from the US and Western European countries was heavily criticized by Putin as future inflation expectations were a major point of distinction between Russia and the West, according to Putin\u2019s economic experts. Putin emphasized the stabilization of Russia\u2019s economy while claiming that the elites in charge of the West\u2019s policies are not operating in the best interest of their constituents.<\/p>\n

\u201cEurope is about to throw its achievements in building up its manufacturing capability, the quality of life of its people and socioeconomic stability into the sanctions furnace, depleting its potential, as directed by Washington for the sake of the infamous Euro-Atlantic unity. In fact, this amounts to sacrifices in the name of preserving the dominance of the United States in global affairs,\u201d Putin said.<\/p>\n

As for Western sanctions, Putin claimed that Asia-Pacific countries have been supportive of Russia\u2019s position: \u201cAn absolute majority of Asia Pacific countries reject the destructive logic of sanctions. Their business relations are focused on mutual advantage, cooperation and the joint use of our economic capabilities to the benefit of our countries\u2019 citizens. This adds up to a huge competitive advantage of the regional countries and a guarantee of their dynamic long-term development, which has been growing faster than the world\u2019s average for a long time.\u201d<\/p>\n

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English Transcript of Putin\u2019s Speech:<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Friends, Mr Min Aung Hlaing, Mr Pashinyan, Mr Oyun-Erdene, Mr Li Zhanshu, ladies and gentlemen,I\u00a0am delighted to\u00a0greet all participants and\u00a0guests of\u00a0the\u00a0Eastern Economic Forum. Russia and\u00a0Vladivostok are again hosting a\u00a0forum of\u00a0business leaders, experts, politicians, public figures and\u00a0members of\u00a0government from dozens of\u00a0countries across the\u00a0world.<\/p>\n

Video addresses have been sent to\u00a0us by\u00a0Prime Minister of\u00a0India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of\u00a0Malaysia Ismail Sabri Yaakob and\u00a0Prime Minister of\u00a0Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh. I\u00a0am delighted that they have made time to\u00a0take part in\u00a0this plenary session.<\/p>\n

As\u00a0per tradition, the\u00a0programme of\u00a0the\u00a0Eastern Economic Forum includes discussions on\u00a0the\u00a0projects and\u00a0initiatives that are extremely important for\u00a0the\u00a0development of\u00a0the\u00a0regions in\u00a0Russia\u2019s Far East and\u00a0for\u00a0strengthening Russia\u2019s cooperation and\u00a0production ties with Asia Pacific countries, both our old, traditional partners and\u00a0countries that are only developing dialogue with Russia in\u00a0a\u00a0broad range of\u00a0areas and\u00a0business projects.<\/p>\n

Of\u00a0course, this meeting in\u00a0Vladivostok is a\u00a0good opportunity to\u00a0once again review the\u00a0situation in\u00a0the\u00a0global economy and\u00a0to\u00a0exchange views on\u00a0its main trends and\u00a0risks.<\/p>\n

Last year, the\u00a0Eastern Economic Forum was held after a\u00a0long pause caused by\u00a0the\u00a0coronavirus pandemic. At\u00a0that time, the\u00a0majority of\u00a0experts agreed that global business activity was beginning to\u00a0recover and\u00a0that it would normalise soon after the\u00a0lifting of\u00a0the\u00a0coronavirus restrictions, However, the\u00a0pandemic has given way to\u00a0new challenges, global ones that are threatening the\u00a0world as\u00a0a\u00a0whole. I\u00a0am referring to\u00a0the\u00a0Western sanctions frenzy and\u00a0the\u00a0open and\u00a0aggressive attempts to\u00a0force the\u00a0Western mode of\u00a0behaviour on\u00a0other countries, to\u00a0extinguish their sovereignty and\u00a0to\u00a0bend them to\u00a0its will. In\u00a0fact, there is nothing unusual in\u00a0that: this policy has been pursued by\u00a0the\u00a0\u201ccollective West\u201d for\u00a0decades.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0waning dominance of\u00a0the\u00a0United States in\u00a0the\u00a0global economy and\u00a0politics, as\u00a0well as\u00a0the\u00a0stubborn unwillingness or\u00a0even inability of\u00a0the\u00a0Western elites to\u00a0see, let alone recognise objective facts, acted as\u00a0a\u00a0catalyst for\u00a0these processes.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0have already mentioned that the\u00a0entire system of\u00a0international relations has recently undergone irreversible, or\u00a0should I\u00a0say, tectonic, shifts. Emerging states and\u00a0regions around the\u00a0world, primarily, of\u00a0course, in\u00a0the\u00a0Asia-Pacific region, now play a\u00a0substantially bigger role. Asia-Pacific countries emerged as\u00a0new centres of\u00a0economic and\u00a0technological growth, attracting human resources, capital and\u00a0manufacturing.<\/p>\n

Despite all that, the\u00a0Western countries are seeking to\u00a0preserve yesterday\u2019s world order that benefits them and\u00a0force everyone to\u00a0live according to\u00a0the\u00a0infamous \u201crules\u201d, which they concocted themselves. They are also the\u00a0ones who regularly violate these rules, changing them to\u00a0suit their agenda depending on\u00a0how things are going at\u00a0any given moment. At\u00a0the\u00a0same time, other countries have not been forthcoming when it comes to\u00a0subjecting themselves to\u00a0this dictate and\u00a0arbitrary rule, forcing the\u00a0Western elites, to\u00a0put it bluntly, to\u00a0lose grip and\u00a0take short-sighted, irrational decisions on\u00a0global security, politics, as\u00a0well as\u00a0economics. All these decisions run counter to\u00a0the\u00a0interests of\u00a0countries and\u00a0their people, including, by\u00a0the\u00a0way, the\u00a0people in\u00a0those Western countries. The\u00a0gap separating the\u00a0Western elites from their own citizens is widening.<\/p>\n

Europe is about to\u00a0throw its achievements in\u00a0building up its manufacturing capability, the\u00a0quality of\u00a0life of\u00a0its people and\u00a0socioeconomic stability into the\u00a0sanctions furnace, depleting its potential, as\u00a0directed by\u00a0Washington for\u00a0the\u00a0sake of\u00a0the\u00a0infamous Euro-Atlantic unity. In\u00a0fact, this amounts to\u00a0sacrifices in\u00a0the\u00a0name of\u00a0preserving the\u00a0dominance of\u00a0the\u00a0United States in\u00a0global affairs.<\/p>\n

Back in\u00a0spring, many foreign corporations rushed to\u00a0announce their withdrawal from Russia, believing that our country will suffer more than others. Today, we see one manufacturing site after another shutting down in\u00a0Europe itself. One of\u00a0the\u00a0key reasons, of\u00a0course, lies in\u00a0the\u00a0severed business ties with Russia.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0competitive ability of\u00a0European companies is in\u00a0decline, for\u00a0the\u00a0EU officials themselves are essentially cutting them off from affordable commodities and\u00a0energy, as\u00a0well as\u00a0trade markets. It will come as\u00a0no surprise if eventually the\u00a0niches currently occupied by\u00a0European businesses, both on\u00a0the\u00a0continent and\u00a0on\u00a0the\u00a0global market in\u00a0general, will be taken over by\u00a0their American patrons who know no boundaries or\u00a0hesitation when it comes to\u00a0pursuing their interests and\u00a0achieving their goals.<\/p>\n

More than that, in\u00a0an\u00a0attempt to\u00a0obstruct the\u00a0course of\u00a0history, Western countries have undermined the\u00a0pillars of\u00a0the\u00a0global economic system, built over centuries. It is in\u00a0front of\u00a0our eyes that the\u00a0dollar, euro and\u00a0pound sterling have lost trust as\u00a0currencies suitable for\u00a0performing transactions, storing reserves and\u00a0denominating assets. We are taking steps to\u00a0shed this dependence on\u00a0unreliable and\u00a0compromised foreign currencies. By\u00a0the\u00a0way, even allies of\u00a0the\u00a0United States are gradually reducing their dollar assets, as\u00a0we can see from statistics. Step by\u00a0step, the\u00a0volume of\u00a0transactions and\u00a0savings in\u00a0dollars is diminishing.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0want to\u00a0note here that yesterday, Gazprom and\u00a0its Chinese partners decided to\u00a0switch to\u00a050\/50 transactions in\u00a0rubles and\u00a0yuan with respect to\u00a0gas payments.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0want to\u00a0add that with their short-sighted actions, Western officials have triggered a\u00a0global inflation. In\u00a0many developed economies, the\u00a0inflation rate has reached a\u00a0record-high level that had not been seen in\u00a0many years.<\/p>\n

Everybody is aware of\u00a0this but I\u00a0will reiterate: as\u00a0of\u00a0late July, inflation in\u00a0the\u00a0United States reached 8.5 percent. Russia has just over 14 percent (I\u00a0will speak about this further) but it is declining, unlike in\u00a0Western economies. The\u00a0inflation there is on\u00a0the\u00a0rise, and\u00a0in\u00a0our country it is declining. I\u00a0believe that as\u00a0of\u00a0the\u00a0end of\u00a0the\u00a0year, we will have around 12 percent and, as\u00a0many of\u00a0our experts think, in\u00a0the\u00a0first quarter or\u00a0by\u00a0the\u00a0second quarter of\u00a02023, we will most likely reach the\u00a0target inflation rate. Some say it will be 5\u20136 percent. Others say it will go down to\u00a04 percent. We will see. In\u00a0any case, the\u00a0trend is positive. Meanwhile, what is happening with our neighbours? The\u00a0inflation in\u00a0Germany has reached 7.9 percent, in\u00a0Belgium 9.9 percent, in\u00a0the\u00a0Netherlands 12 percent, Latvia 20.8 percent, Lithuania 21.1 percent and\u00a0Estonia 25.2 percent. And\u00a0it is still on\u00a0the\u00a0rise.<\/p>\n

Rising prices in\u00a0the\u00a0global markets can be a\u00a0real tragedy for\u00a0most of\u00a0the\u00a0poorest countries, which are facing shortages of\u00a0food, energy, and\u00a0other vital goods. I\u00a0will cite a\u00a0few figures that underline the\u00a0danger: while in\u00a02019, according to\u00a0the\u00a0UN, 135 million people in\u00a0the\u00a0world were facing acute food insecurity, their number has soared by\u00a02.5 times to\u00a0345 million by\u00a0now\u00a0\u2013 this is just horrible. Moreover, the\u00a0poorest states have completely lost access to\u00a0the\u00a0most essential foods as\u00a0developed countries are buying up the\u00a0entire supply, causing a\u00a0sharp increase in\u00a0prices.<\/p>\n

Let me give you an\u00a0example. Most of\u00a0the\u00a0ships\u00a0\u2013 you all know very well how high passions have been running, how much has been said about the\u00a0need to\u00a0facilitate the\u00a0export of\u00a0Ukrainian grain at\u00a0all costs, to\u00a0support the\u00a0poorest countries. And\u00a0we certainly had no other choice but to\u00a0respond, despite all the\u00a0complicated developments taking place around Ukraine. We did everything to\u00a0ensure that Ukrainian grain was exported, and\u00a0we certainly assumed\u00a0\u2013 I\u00a0met with the\u00a0leaders of\u00a0the\u00a0African Union, with the\u00a0leaders of\u00a0African states and\u00a0I\u00a0promised them that we would make every effort to\u00a0uphold their interests and\u00a0would facilitate the\u00a0export of\u00a0Ukrainian grain.<\/p>\n

Russia did it together with Turkiye. We did it. And\u00a0I\u00a0would like to\u00a0report the\u00a0result to\u00a0you, colleagues: if we exclude Turkiye as\u00a0an\u00a0intermediary, all the\u00a0grain exported from Ukraine, almost in\u00a0its entirety, went to\u00a0the\u00a0European Union, not to\u00a0the\u00a0developing and\u00a0poorest countries. Only two ships delivered grain under the\u00a0UN World Food Programme\u00a0\u2013 the\u00a0very programme that is supposed to\u00a0help countries that need help the\u00a0most\u00a0\u2013 only two ships out of\u00a087\u00a0\u2013 I\u00a0emphasise\u00a0\u2013 transported 60,000 tonnes out of\u00a02 million tonnes of\u00a0food. That\u2019s just 3 percent, and\u00a0it went to\u00a0the\u00a0developing countries.<\/p>\n

What I\u00a0am saying is, many European countries today continue to\u00a0act as\u00a0colonisers, exactly as\u00a0they have been doing in\u00a0previous decades and\u00a0centuries. Developing countries have simply been cheated yet again and\u00a0continue to\u00a0be cheated.<\/p>\n

It is obvious that with this approach, the\u00a0scale of\u00a0food problems in\u00a0the\u00a0world will only increase. Unfortunately, to\u00a0our great regret, this could lead to\u00a0an\u00a0unprecedented humanitarian disaster, and\u00a0perhaps, exporters need to\u00a0think about limiting their exports of\u00a0grain and\u00a0other food to\u00a0this destination. I\u00a0will certainly consult with President of\u00a0Turkiye, Mr\u00a0Erdogan<\/a>, because together with him we were the\u00a0ones who developed a\u00a0mechanism for\u00a0the\u00a0export of\u00a0Ukrainian grain, primarily, I\u00a0repeat, to\u00a0help the\u00a0poorest countries. But what happened in\u00a0practice?<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0stress once again that this situation has been caused by\u00a0the\u00a0reckless steps taken by\u00a0the\u00a0United States, the\u00a0UK and\u00a0the\u00a0European Union, which are obsessed with illusory political ideas. As\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0wellbeing of\u00a0their own citizens, let alone people outside the\u00a0so-called golden billion, they have been pushing it to\u00a0the\u00a0backburner. This will inevitably lead Western countries into a\u00a0deadlock, an\u00a0economic and\u00a0social crisis, and\u00a0will have unpredictable consequences for\u00a0the\u00a0whole world.<\/p>\n

Colleagues,<\/p>\n

Russia is coping well with the\u00a0economic, financial and\u00a0technological aggression of\u00a0the\u00a0West. I\u00a0am talking about a\u00a0real aggression; there is no other word for\u00a0it. Russia\u2019s currency and\u00a0financial market has stabilised, inflation is going down, as\u00a0I\u00a0have already mentioned, and\u00a0the\u00a0unemployment rate is at\u00a0an\u00a0all-time historical low of\u00a0less than 4 percent. The\u00a0assessments and\u00a0forecasts of\u00a0our economic performance, including by\u00a0businesspeople, are more optimistic now than in\u00a0early spring.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0say that our economic situation has stabilised overall, but we also see a\u00a0number of\u00a0problems in\u00a0some sectors, regions and\u00a0individual enterprises, especially those that relied on\u00a0supplies from Europe or\u00a0supplied their products there.<\/p>\n

It is important to\u00a0continue working with businesses to\u00a0take prompt decisions and\u00a0launch effective targeted support mechanisms. I\u00a0would like to\u00a0ask the\u00a0Government Commission to\u00a0Increase the\u00a0Sustainability of\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Economy under the\u00a0Sanctions to\u00a0keep track of\u00a0the\u00a0situation. It is true that we are doing this almost on\u00a0a\u00a0daily basis. Nevertheless, despite the\u00a0evidence of\u00a0stabilisation I\u00a0have mentioned, we are also aware of\u00a0the\u00a0risks and\u00a0so we must keep an\u00a0eye on\u00a0them.<\/p>\n

Russia is a\u00a0sovereign state. We will always protect our national interests while pursuing an\u00a0independent policy, and\u00a0we also appreciate this quality among our partners, who have demonstrated their reliability and\u00a0responsible attitude in\u00a0the\u00a0course of\u00a0our trade, investment and\u00a0other types of\u00a0cooperation over many years. I\u00a0am referring, as\u00a0you are aware, to\u00a0our colleagues from the\u00a0Asia Pacific countries.<\/p>\n

An\u00a0absolute majority of\u00a0Asia Pacific countries reject the\u00a0destructive logic of\u00a0sanctions. Their business relations are focused on\u00a0mutual advantage, cooperation and\u00a0the\u00a0joint use of\u00a0our economic capabilities to\u00a0the\u00a0benefit of\u00a0our countries\u2019 citizens. This adds up to\u00a0a\u00a0huge competitive advantage of\u00a0the\u00a0regional countries and\u00a0a\u00a0guarantee of\u00a0their dynamic long-term development, which has been growing faster than the\u00a0world\u2019s average for\u00a0a\u00a0long time.<\/p>\n

You are aware of\u00a0this, but I\u00a0would like to\u00a0remind everyone that over the\u00a0past 10 years Asian countries\u2019 GDP has been increasing by\u00a0approximately 5 percent every year, while the\u00a0figure is 3 percent in\u00a0the\u00a0world, 2 percent in\u00a0the\u00a0US and\u00a01.2 percent in\u00a0the\u00a0EU. But it is even more important that this trend persists. What will this ultimately lead to? As\u00a0a\u00a0result, the\u00a0share of\u00a0Asian economies in\u00a0global GDP will grow from 37.1 percent in\u00a02015 to\u00a045 percent in\u00a02027, and\u00a0I\u00a0am sure that this trend will persist.<\/p>\n

It is important for\u00a0Russia that the\u00a0economy of\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Far East grows together with Asia Pacific economies, that this region provide modern living conditions, boost people\u2019s incomes and\u00a0well-being, and\u00a0that it create high-quality jobs and\u00a0cost-effective production facilities.<\/p>\n

We have already tested unique national tax, administrative and\u00a0customs privileges in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East. They help implement landmark projects, even by\u00a0global standards, in\u00a0such fields as\u00a0natural gas conversion and\u00a0the\u00a0shipbuilding sector, bioengineering technologies and\u00a0clean energy.<\/p>\n

In\u00a0the\u00a0past seven years, industrial production volumes in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East have increased by\u00a0about 25 percent. This exceeds nationwide levels by\u00a0one third. I\u00a0want to\u00a0stress this: growth rates of\u00a0industrial production in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East greatly exceed similar nationwide growth rates.<\/p>\n

We will continue to\u00a0promote the\u00a0priority development of\u00a0the\u00a0Far Eastern regions by\u00a0using new advanced state support measures and\u00a0by\u00a0creating the\u00a0best and\u00a0highly competitive business environment. For\u00a0example, we intend to\u00a0continue adjusting the\u00a0mechanism of\u00a0priority development areas for\u00a0modern and\u00a0joint projects with other countries, to\u00a0create the\u00a0best possible business climate for\u00a0attracting the\u00a0most advanced technologies to\u00a0Russia and\u00a0for\u00a0manufacturing high value-added goods in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East.<\/p>\n

Events of\u00a0this year confirm the\u00a0special significance of\u00a0such a\u00a0factor as\u00a0accessible and\u00a0affordable raw materials without which it is impossible to\u00a0organise any production process or\u00a0to\u00a0set up co-production chains. Russia is just about the\u00a0only country that is completely self-sufficient in\u00a0terms of\u00a0natural resources, and\u00a0the\u00a0Far East plays a\u00a0substantial role here. This region is a\u00a0highly important supplier of\u00a0crude oil and\u00a0natural gas, coal, metals, timber and\u00a0marine biological resources to\u00a0the\u00a0domestic market and\u00a0our foreign partners.<\/p>\n

We are staking on\u00a0the\u00a0prudent and\u00a0rational development of\u00a0Russia\u2019s natural riches under the\u00a0most stringent environmental standards. First of\u00a0all, we will refine all extracted raw materials domestically as\u00a0much as\u00a0possible. We will also use these raw materials to\u00a0strengthen the\u00a0sovereignty of\u00a0this country, to\u00a0ensure industrial security, to\u00a0raise incomes and\u00a0to\u00a0develop the\u00a0regions.<\/p>\n

We have already protected the\u00a0resource extraction industry from unfriendly actions. From now on, only companies with Russian jurisdiction have the\u00a0right to\u00a0develop natural resources in\u00a0Russia.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Ministry of\u00a0Natural Resources and\u00a0Environment together with the\u00a0Ministry of\u00a0Industry and\u00a0Trade and\u00a0leading business associations has determined the\u00a0national economy\u2019s demand for\u00a0strategic raw materials. This information will become the\u00a0foundation of\u00a0the\u00a0revised Strategy for\u00a0the\u00a0Development of\u00a0Russia\u2019s Mineral Resources Base with an\u00a0extended planning horizon up to\u00a02050.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0the\u00a0same time, special focus should be placed on\u00a0geological exploration and\u00a0processing of\u00a0rare raw materials (such as\u00a0titanium, manganese, lithium, and\u00a0niobium), which are used in\u00a0metallurgy, medical and\u00a0chemical industries, microelectronics, aircraft manufacturing and\u00a0other industries, as\u00a0well as\u00a0in\u00a0new energy storage and\u00a0transmission technologies.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0separately ask the\u00a0Government to\u00a0have a\u00a0look at\u00a0the\u00a0bioresources harvesting sphere, where we have a\u00a0mechanism of\u00a0investment quotas. Here, it is important to\u00a0achieve balanced growth and\u00a0full utilisation of\u00a0production capacities, as\u00a0well as\u00a0to\u00a0ensure the\u00a0harmonious development of\u00a0the\u00a0regions\u2019 infrastructure.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0stress that the\u00a0funds the\u00a0state receives from the\u00a0utilisation of\u00a0water bioresources must above all be allocated for\u00a0developing the\u00a0infrastructure of\u00a0rural areas, employment support, and\u00a0increasing incomes of\u00a0local residents. I\u00a0ask the\u00a0Government to\u00a0take specific measures on\u00a0this. We have discussed this many times.<\/p>\n

Next, over the\u00a0past years Russia has implemented big plans for\u00a0the\u00a0development of\u00a0transport infrastructure, railways and\u00a0roads, seaports and\u00a0pipelines. These timely decisions have made it possible for\u00a0businesses to\u00a0quickly rebuild logistics in\u00a0today\u2019s conditions, and\u00a0redirect cargo flows to\u00a0those countries that are ready and\u00a0willing to\u00a0trade with Russia and\u00a0prefer civilised and\u00a0predictable business relations.<\/p>\n

It is noteworthy that despite the\u00a0attempts of\u00a0external pressure, the\u00a0total cargo of\u00a0Russian seaports has only slightly decreased over the\u00a0seven months of\u00a0this year; it has remained at\u00a0the\u00a0same level as\u00a0a\u00a0year earlier, which is about 482 million tonnes of\u00a0cargo. Last year there were 483 million, so the\u00a0figure is practically the\u00a0same.<\/p>\n

At\u00a0the\u00a0same time, Far Eastern ports are seeing a\u00a0real logistics boom. The\u00a0volume of\u00a0cargo transhipment and\u00a0container handling is such that specialists are working 24\/7 to\u00a0handle the\u00a0workload. In\u00a0a\u00a0word, no matter how much someone might like to\u00a0isolate Russia, it is impossible to\u00a0do it, as\u00a0we have always said so. It is enough just to\u00a0look at\u00a0the\u00a0map.<\/p>\n

We will use natural competitive advantages to\u00a0build up our further transport capabilities, expand the\u00a0road and\u00a0railway network, build new access roads to\u00a0sea terminals and\u00a0expand their capacity.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0mentioned earlier that our focus is on\u00a0building the\u00a0eastward infrastructure and\u00a0developing the\u00a0North-South international corridor and\u00a0ports of\u00a0the\u00a0Azov-Black Sea basin which we will keep working on. They will open up more opportunities for\u00a0Russian companies to\u00a0enter the\u00a0markets of\u00a0Iran, India, the\u00a0Middle East and\u00a0Africa and, of\u00a0course, for\u00a0reciprocal deliveries from these countries.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0total volume of\u00a0freight and\u00a0cargo transportation along these routes and\u00a0arteries will be able to\u00a0grow by\u00a0about 60 percent by\u00a02030. We are absolutely realistic about our predictions, and\u00a0this is how it will be. To\u00a0achieve these numbers, the\u00a0Government has drafted specific \u201croadmaps\u201d in\u00a0the\u00a0three areas I\u00a0outlined earlier, which will enable us to\u00a0make this work consistent, consolidate and\u00a0coordinate our efforts in\u00a0terms of\u00a0deadlines and\u00a0capacity to\u00a0break up the\u00a0bottlenecks and\u00a0upgrade border checkpoints and\u00a0related infrastructure.<\/p>\n

In\u00a0addition to\u00a0our plans to\u00a0expand transport corridors, it is important to\u00a0put in\u00a0place new rolling stock and\u00a0railway traction vehicles, to\u00a0provide Russian shipyards with orders for\u00a0modern high-quality tankers, dry cargo ships and\u00a0container vessels, including ice-class ships, for\u00a0the\u00a0further expansion of\u00a0the\u00a0Northern Sea Route as\u00a0a\u00a0potent transport corridor of\u00a0national and\u00a0global importance with, I\u00a0want to\u00a0stress this, year-round navigation. The\u00a0state-of-the-art icebreakers that we are designing and\u00a0building make it possible for\u00a0us to\u00a0do this already now.<\/p>\n

This year, a\u00a0container vessel made its first run between Murmansk and\u00a0Kamchatka along the\u00a0Northern Sea Route to\u00a0reaffirm the\u00a0reliability and\u00a0safety of\u00a0shipping operations in\u00a0the\u00a0Arctic zone.<\/p>\n

Notably, the\u00a0point is not just about authorising the\u00a0passage of\u00a0ships in\u00a0the\u00a0Arctic or\u00a0simply connecting two destinations. What we need to\u00a0do is make sure that ships are properly serviced and\u00a0cargo is properly handled at\u00a0each port along the\u00a0route, and\u00a0the\u00a0traffic schedule is sustainable, predictable and\u00a0reliable. Then, every Northern Sea Route waypoint and\u00a0region will benefit from the\u00a0logistics corridor. That is what we should be striving for.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Government has approved a\u00a0development plan for\u00a0the\u00a0Northern Sea Route until 2035 with plans to\u00a0allocate 1.8 trillion rubles from various sources to\u00a0implement it. As\u00a0forecasted, the\u00a0cargo traffic along this corridor will go from the\u00a0current 35 million tonnes per year to\u00a0the\u00a0targeted 220 million tonnes per year.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0availability of\u00a0freight vehicles is certainly a\u00a0key factor in\u00a0the\u00a0transportation of\u00a0goods to\u00a0and\u00a0from the\u00a0Russian Far East. This means we need to\u00a0offer economically justified and\u00a0competitive freight rates. I\u00a0am asking the\u00a0Government to\u00a0study all these issues carefully.<\/p>\n

Aviation is a\u00a0special issue for\u00a0the\u00a0Far East. Here, the\u00a0availability of\u00a0flights from the\u00a0European part of\u00a0Russia to\u00a0the\u00a0Far East is not the\u00a0only issue, but connectivity between the\u00a0Far Eastern regions themselves also matters\u00a0\u2013 air services should cover as\u00a0many destinations, cities and\u00a0regions of\u00a0the\u00a0Far East as\u00a0possible.<\/p>\n

That is why we have established a\u00a0single Far Eastern airline. It offers almost 390 destinations, some of\u00a0them subsidised by\u00a0the\u00a0state. In\u00a0the\u00a0next three years, this airline\u2019s traffic should increase, and\u00a0the\u00a0number of\u00a0destinations will exceed 530. And\u00a0as\u00a0we could see after those flights were opened, these destinations are in\u00a0great demand.<\/p>\n

To\u00a0implement these plans, we need to\u00a0expand the\u00a0company\u2019s fleet, to\u00a0make sure it has modern aircraft, including small aircraft. A\u00a0decision has been made in\u00a0this regard, and\u00a0I\u00a0ask the\u00a0Government to\u00a0strictly implement it.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0note that in\u00a0general, Russian air carriers will soon be thoroughly re-equipped. Our airlines, including Aeroflot, have placed the\u00a0largest order package in\u00a0modern history, for\u00a0about 500 Russian-made mainline aircraft. By\u00a0the\u00a0way, as\u00a0far as\u00a0I\u00a0know, the\u00a0United Aircraft Corporation and\u00a0Aeroflot have signed a\u00a0respective agreement on\u00a0the\u00a0sidelines of\u00a0this Eastern Economic Forum, and\u00a0the\u00a0figures in\u00a0there are quite impressive\u00a0\u2013 over a\u00a0trillion, I\u00a0think.<\/p>\n

This high demand should become a\u00a0powerful incentive for\u00a0aircraft factories and\u00a0design bureaux, for\u00a0many related industries, including electronics and\u00a0aircraft components, and, of\u00a0course, for\u00a0the\u00a0schools training professional personnel including engineers and\u00a0skilled blue-collar workers in\u00a0the\u00a0aviation industry.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0add that a\u00a0decision has been made on\u00a0another sensitive issue for\u00a0the\u00a0Far East. I\u00a0am referring to\u00a0the\u00a0development of\u00a0air medical services and\u00a0increasing the\u00a0availability of\u00a0medical care for\u00a0people living in\u00a0remote areas. Starting next year, we will more than double federal funding for\u00a0these purposes, which means that the\u00a0number of\u00a0flights will also increase, and\u00a0there will be faster and\u00a0better provision of\u00a0healthcare in\u00a0the\u00a0region.<\/p>\n

Friends, colleagues,<\/p>\n

All our decisions involving the\u00a0economy and\u00a0social sphere, all the\u00a0mechanisms that we are implementing in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East have the\u00a0same important purpose\u00a0\u2013 to\u00a0make this region a\u00a0truly attractive place for\u00a0living, studying, working, for\u00a0starting families, to\u00a0ensure that more children are born.<\/p>\n

Several important initiatives in\u00a0this regard have been included in\u00a0the\u00a0package of\u00a0measures that the\u00a0Government is now considering. One of\u00a0them is to\u00a0create an\u00a0up-to-date environment for\u00a0living, to\u00a0improve the\u00a0local cities and\u00a0towns.<\/p>\n

Let me remind you that at\u00a0the\u00a0last forum, we set a\u00a0task to\u00a0develop master plans for\u00a0the\u00a0development of\u00a0the\u00a0largest Far Eastern cities. These include all administrative centres of\u00a0the\u00a0regions, and\u00a0cities with a\u00a0population of\u00a0over 50,000 people, as\u00a0well as\u00a0Tynda and\u00a0Severobaikalsk, the\u00a0key stations on\u00a0the\u00a0Baikal-Amur Mainline railway.<\/p>\n

We had in\u00a0mind an\u00a0integrated approach to\u00a0the\u00a0development of\u00a0communities, where plans for\u00a0the\u00a0modernisation of\u00a0infrastructure, social facilities, and\u00a0creation of\u00a0public spaces and\u00a0so on\u00a0would be combined competently and\u00a0conveniently, and\u00a0economic and\u00a0industrial projects would rely on\u00a0thoroughly calculated business models.<\/p>\n

In\u00a0all cities, the\u00a0initial task was to\u00a0make strategic development plans. Master plans are already being actively developed on\u00a0the\u00a0basis of\u00a0those strategic plans in\u00a017 cities and\u00a0metropolitan areas. One of\u00a0them has to\u00a0do with the\u00a0development of\u00a0the\u00a0Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky urban area, and\u00a0the\u00a0day before yesterday, we discussed this issue with our colleagues on\u00a0the\u00a0spot. Once again, I\u00a0ask the\u00a0Government to\u00a0provide maximum assistance in\u00a0implementing this and\u00a0other master plans in\u00a0order to\u00a0have them unconditionally implemented.<\/p>\n

Here, among other things, it is important to\u00a0use tools such as\u00a0the\u00a0Far Eastern concession, the\u00a0government\u2019s infrastructure loans and\u00a0infrastructure bonds. It is necessary to\u00a0determine target limits for\u00a0the\u00a0Far East in\u00a0these programmes. The\u00a0funds should be used for\u00a0urban development and\u00a0improvement, and\u00a0of\u00a0course, for\u00a0infrastructure, including the\u00a0upgrade of\u00a0existing networks and\u00a0connections to\u00a0utilities.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0add that at\u00a0the\u00a0recent St Petersburg Economic Forum, I\u00a0instructed the\u00a0Government to\u00a0allocate an\u00a0additional 10 billion rubles annually for\u00a0improvement projects in\u00a0Russian cities. I\u00a0think it would be right to\u00a0channel half of\u00a0this financing, that is, 5 billion a\u00a0year, towards upgrading Far Eastern cities and\u00a0towns with populations below 250,000.<\/p>\n

Separate resources should also be allocated under all our main infrastructure development programmes for\u00a0projects to\u00a0modernise Far Eastern cities. I\u00a0have already given such an\u00a0instruction, and\u00a0I\u00a0ask you to\u00a0ensure its implementation as\u00a0quickly as\u00a0possible. Target limits should be stipulated in\u00a0the\u00a0federal budget for\u00a0the\u00a0next three years.<\/p>\n

Something else I\u00a0would like to\u00a0stress\u00a0\u2013 we need to\u00a0increase the\u00a0volume of\u00a0housing construction in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East, while also widely applying the\u00a0most advanced \u2018green\u2019 and\u00a0energy-efficient construction technologies.<\/p>\n

This year, the\u00a0Far Eastern Quarters programme was launched. Under this programme, developers will be able to\u00a0take advantage of\u00a0priority development areas, including tax and\u00a0infrastructure benefits, which will reduce the\u00a0cost of\u00a0flats and\u00a0the\u00a0price of\u00a0finished housing. This will increase the\u00a0availability of\u00a0housing for\u00a0people. The\u00a0plan is to\u00a0build about 2.5 million square metres of\u00a0housing by\u00a02030 using this cost-reduction mechanism. I\u00a0ask the\u00a0regional authorities and\u00a0the\u00a0Ministry for\u00a0the\u00a0Development of\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Far East to\u00a0hold the\u00a0first tenders by\u00a0the\u00a0end of\u00a0the\u00a0year, to\u00a0select developers and\u00a0start designing and\u00a0developing the\u00a0residential buildings.<\/p>\n

Next, the\u00a0Far Eastern residents are entitled to\u00a0special, preferential mortgage terms. As\u00a0many as\u00a048,000 families have already purchased new housing using mortgages with a\u00a0rate of\u00a02 percent. This year, we have expanded the\u00a0Far Eastern mortgage programme so that doctors and\u00a0teachers, regardless of\u00a0their age, can apply for\u00a0it along with young Far Easterners.<\/p>\n

Let me remind you that the\u00a0programme is planned until 2024. But given the\u00a0demand and\u00a0efficacy\u00a0\u2013 and\u00a0this programme is working effectively\u00a0\u2013 I\u00a0propose extending it until at\u00a0least 2030. I\u00a0hope that the\u00a0Far Eastern residents will also appreciate this.<\/p>\n

(Applause<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

A\u00a0separate decision concerns the\u00a0support of\u00a0young professionals who come to\u00a0the\u00a0Far East or\u00a0graduate from local educational institutions, get a\u00a0job and\u00a0consider local accommodation. As\u00a0many as\u00a010,000 rental apartments will be built for\u00a0them. The\u00a0rental rate will be significantly below the\u00a0market level due to\u00a0subsidies from the\u00a0regional and\u00a0federal budgets. The\u00a0Government has already envisaged such a\u00a0measure. I\u00a0ask you to\u00a0work out all the\u00a0details in\u00a0order to\u00a0start building rental housing for\u00a0young professionals without delay. And\u00a0I\u00a0would like to\u00a0specifically point out that the\u00a0location of\u00a0this housing should be included in\u00a0the\u00a0development master plans for\u00a0Far Eastern cities, which means all the\u00a0necessary infrastructure should be available\u00a0\u2013 in\u00a0short, such accommodation should be convenient and\u00a0enjoy demand.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0note that the\u00a0Far Eastern regions, like many other regions of\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Federation, are experiencing a\u00a0shortage of\u00a0workers today. We will also take several important steps to\u00a0intensify personnel training in\u00a0key competencies. Over 900 modern workshops will be opened in\u00a0Far Eastern colleges by\u00a02030, and\u00a0in\u00a0the\u00a0near future, until the\u00a0end of\u00a02025, we will launch 29 production and\u00a0educational clusters. In\u00a0addition, businesses will receive compensation for\u00a0employing young workers.<\/p>\n

Another important area is improving the\u00a0quality of\u00a0higher education in\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Far East. The\u00a0goal is to\u00a0attract qualified instructors, upgrade facilities and\u00a0equipment in\u00a0higher education institutions, and\u00a0provide grants to\u00a0stimulate academic research and\u00a0prospective developments in\u00a0the\u00a0crucial areas of\u00a0the\u00a0technological agenda.<\/p>\n

There are network programmes for\u00a0Far Eastern universities that connect education institutions in\u00a0the\u00a0region with the\u00a0country\u2019s leading universities such as\u00a0St Petersburg State Marine Technical University, Moscow Aviation Institute and\u00a0others. We will undoubtedly support this area of\u00a0cooperation.<\/p>\n

Finally, branches of\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Institute of\u00a0Theatre Arts (GITIS), the\u00a0National State Gerasimov Institute of\u00a0Cinematography (VGIK) and\u00a0the\u00a0Boris Shchukin Theatre Institute will open in\u00a02025 in\u00a0the\u00a0Russian Far East to\u00a0train cultural and\u00a0art workers. I\u00a0would like to\u00a0ask the\u00a0Government to\u00a0provide all necessary assistance.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0would like to\u00a0note that the\u00a0Far Eastern regions offer their own professional development initiatives. For\u00a0example, the\u00a0Agency for\u00a0Strategic Initiatives in\u00a0the\u00a0Sakhalin Region supports a\u00a0pilot project called Earning Money Together. Participants in\u00a0the\u00a0project will be able to\u00a0undergo free additional training, receive career guidance and\u00a0get help with starting a\u00a0business. Based on\u00a0the\u00a0outcome of\u00a0these pilot projects we will think about scaling up.<\/p>\n

I\u00a0also want to\u00a0mention a\u00a0training programme for\u00a0a\u00a0new generation of\u00a0managers in\u00a0the\u00a0Far East. The\u00a0programme focuses on\u00a0cultivating a\u00a0local pool of\u00a0talent, and\u00a0on\u00a0integrating study programmes and\u00a0internships in\u00a0public offices and\u00a0development institutions. This programme is already running and\u00a0I\u00a0suggest that the\u00a0heads of\u00a0all regions in\u00a0the\u00a0Far Eastern Federal District get involved.<\/p>\n

Colleagues, I\u00a0want to\u00a0conclude my\u00a0remarks by\u00a0stressing once again that the\u00a0modern global economy and\u00a0the\u00a0entire system of\u00a0international relations is going through challenges. However, I\u00a0believe that the\u00a0logic of\u00a0cooperation, aligning the\u00a0potentials and\u00a0mutual benefits that our countries and\u00a0our friends in\u00a0the\u00a0region adhere to, will prevail no matter what. By\u00a0reasonably taking advantage of\u00a0the\u00a0competitive sides and\u00a0strengths of\u00a0the\u00a0Asia-Pacific countries, by\u00a0creating constructive partnerships we will open new colossal opportunities for\u00a0our peoples. We are ready to\u00a0work together for\u00a0the\u00a0sake of\u00a0a\u00a0successful future. And\u00a0we are grateful to\u00a0our partners for\u00a0participating in\u00a0this work.<\/p>\n

Thank you.<\/p>\n

____________________________________________<\/p>\n

If you\u2019d like to read the conversation between Putin and EEF plenary session moderator and Managing Director of RBC TV channel Ilya Doronov, you can find it here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Go to Original – scheerpost.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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