Sergei Melikov: the North–South transport corridor opens new prospects for Dagestan
On 4 September, the National Centre RUSSIA launched a series of meetings with the heads of constituent entities of the Russian Federation "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps". The first meeting was held with Sergei Melikov, Head of the Republic of Dagestan.
In his speech, the head of the region paid special attention to the development of the international North–South transport corridor, emphasising its strategic importance for Dagestan and for the whole country. The development of the corridor opens up new opportunities for Dagestan: strengthening interregional and international ties, creating jobs, and improving people’s quality of life.
"If we look at the North–South transport corridor itself, those who were once interested in history will certainly see that this is a modern version of the Silk Road. The world develops in a spiral. Today the Silk Road is being realised in a completely new way — in the form of a new transport artery. It is not only about transport: it is a major political and economic sphere that unites states all the way to the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. But it is impossible to bypass Dagestan: the sea is on the left, the mountains — on the right. And that is why our region is becoming a key link in the modern Silk Road," noted Sergei Melikov.
The head of the republic recalled that historically Dagestan has always been an important part of trade routes. Today this potential is being realised through the modernisation of the Makhachkala Sea Port, which is showing record turnover figures for the last twenty years. Bypass crossings are under construction, a transport ring around Makhachkala is being designed, and sections of the highway in Khasavyurt and Derbent are actively being upgraded.
"These measures will help relieve cities and significantly increase the efficiency of transport infrastructure," emphasised Sergei Melikov.
The programme of meetings at the National Centre RUSSIA "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps" will continue: in dialogue with the heads of the regions, both priority measures and strategic projects that will shape the country’s profile by 2030 are being discussed.
