Alexander Sokolov: the National Centre RUSSIA branch will be an investment in the future of the Kirov region

The Kirov Region is a territory with a rich history, a favourable geographical position, and strong traditions of good neighbourliness. It is located at the crossroads of transport and economic routes connecting different parts of the country, and the regional authorities are consistently developing infrastructure and creating conditions for the implementation of major projects. According to Governor of the Kirov Region Alexander Sokolov, these very advantages were among the key factors that helped make the decision to open a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the region's capital. He spoke about this in an interview with the newspaper Kirovskaya Pravda.

"We are a 'region of good neighbours.' We love guests, rejoice at their arrival, and are happy to share our achievements. Soon we will open a branch of the National Centre RUSSIA, where we will hold permanent expositions showcasing our neighbouring regions. The Kirov region borders nine other constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Friendliness, the ability to live in peace and harmony — these are qualities that have been inherent to our land since ancient times. Different peoples have lived here for centuries: Finno-Ugric peoples, Tatars, and, of course, the Russian people. This diversity and the ability to live together are the true hallmark of our region," said the Governor.

According to Alexander Sokolov, the opening of the National Centre RUSSIA branch opens a huge number of opportunities for the region. The space will become a "magnet" attracting new visitors and businesses, and the region's visibility will multiply. He added that plans include integrating the branch into school and university programmes, making it a venue for events held by the "Movement of the First" and the Russian society Znanie.

"The construction and operation of the Centre will give an impetus to the development of transport, the hotel business, and other sectors. Major forums, such as 'The Gates of the Russian North,' which will unite regions, will also be held here. A multimedia park will tell the story of the rich legacy of the Vyatka region in a way that everyone will feel it. We have chosen the heart of Kirov — the territory of the former helicopter training school. This is a strategically important location, next to which an entire student campus, a phygital centre, and sports facilities will grow. Imagine what a powerful synergistic space will emerge — a true centre of attraction for all," said Alexander Sokolov.

Furthermore, the Governor noted that the opening of the branch fully aligns with the Strategy for the Socio-Economic Development of the Kirov region until 2036. According to him, this project will be an investment in the region's future — its image, economy, and people.

The presentations of project proposals for branches of the National Centre RUSSIA in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation took place at the venue on 19 March. In addition to the Kirov Region, the following regions presented their projects: the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), the Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl and Kaliningrad Regions, the Khabarovsk Territory, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, and the Republic of Karelia. All eight branch concepts have been approved with different stages and timelines for implementation.