From batteries to vehicles: Alexei Besprozvannykh on building a full production cycle in the Kaliningrad region
Manufacturing
industries and industry as a whole are key drivers of economic growth in the
Kaliningrad region. The region should not wait for sanctions to be lifted, but
instead focus on developing new products that enable industrial enterprises to
grow. Governor Alexei Besprozvannykh stated this during his address as part of
the project "Region-2030. Kaliningrad Region" at the
National Centre RUSSIA on 15 January.
"In
manufacturing industries and industry overall, we set ourselves the goal of
reaching the indicators achieved last year and this year. Based on the results
of the past 11 months, overall growth amounted to 10.3%, placing us sixth among
Russian regions. Our number one task is not only to maintain the level we have
reached, but also to increase the pace of production. Why are industry and
manufacturing so important to us? Because they are among the key drivers of economic
growth in the region. When we faced sanctions-related restrictions,
enterprises, to varying degrees, found different solutions to continue
developing their production. We must not stop and wait for sanctions to be
lifted. We are creating new products and new support programmes that allow our
industrial enterprises to develop," Alexei Besprozvannykh explained.
According
to him, the region places key emphasis on building infrastructure for
investment. The Kaliningrad region is not only developing enterprises that are
already operating today; it is also bringing into its investment portfolio
companies that are considering locating production facilities and are looking
for suitable sites in different regions of Russia.
"We
really do have good conditions, and we are constantly upgrading them in line
with current realities. That is why I believe that today our region is one of
the most investment-attractive in the country," Alexei Besprozvannykh
said.
He also
added that the development of high-tech manufacturing is important for the
region. Major companies are actively operating in the area, including Avtotor,
which manufactures automobiles. A lithium-ion battery plant has recently been
launched into technical operation. This means that, in line with the task set
by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to develop electric
mobility, a fully integrated production chain is being established in the
region.
"We
are no longer just able to manufacture cars in the region by bringing batteries
from other regions of Russia, from China and elsewhere. We can use our own
batteries in our own vehicles. We are talking about more than 12 plants — small
production sites that will be launched in the region. As a result, we will
effectively be producing a fully-fledged Russian car, in which the key
component — the battery — will be manufactured here, in the Kaliningrad
region," Alexei Besprozvannykh said.
Kaliningrad
Region Days are taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 12 to 18
January. The programme includes business, cultural and educational events with
the participation of the region’s leadership.
The National Centre RUSSIA invites audiences to the open lecture hall "Inventing the Future: Plots and Stories", which will be held on 7 February.
The Kaliningrad region has become an example of how a region can develop and maintain stability even in the face of external challenges.
