Technological economy and federal attention: experts assessed the Days of the Siberian Regions at the RUSSIA EXPO
The Days of
the Regions of the Siberian Federal District came to an end at the
International RUSSIA EXPO at VDNH. From November 16 to 21, the Kemerovo -
Kuzbass, Irkutsk, Omsk, Tomsk and Novosibirsk regions, the Krasnoyarsk and
Altai regions, as well as the Republics of Altai, Tuva and Khakassia presented
their achievements.
In their
expositions the Siberian regions presented their industrial potential, unique
nature and culture of the macro-region, as well as talked about the fulfillment
of Russian President Vladimir Putin's instructions and "turn to the
East".
Darya
Kislitsyna, the Director of the Department of Regional Programs at the Expert
Institute for Social Research, Deputy Chairman of the Commission on Territorial
Development, Urban Environment and Infrastructure of the Civic Chamber of the
Russian Federation, spoke about the federal center's attention to the region
and the government policy that helps to convert the regions' potential into achievements:
" Siberia's time has come - this is the principle on which the country's
development programs are based. If the Far East is literally saturated with
support measures that have been in place for more than five years, there is
still room for federal attention for Siberian regions. This January, the
strategy of socio-economic development of the Siberian Federal District until
2035 was approved, including determining the formats of the federal center's
support of projects important for the region. The Siberian regions have
developed interregional cooperation, the Interregional Association
"Siberian Agreement" for socio-economic development is active
here".
Mikhail
Kiselev, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy
noted that the adopted strategy can also help solve an important problem for
the regions - the emigration of the population, especially young people:
"In my opinion, the development strategy should help to create comfortable
conditions for young people to live there. They have fresh ideas, a desire to
develop and work for the good of the country, and such people should want to
stay in Siberia and feel confident in their abilities".
Victor
Poturemsky, the Director of Political Analysis at INSOMAR noted the strategic
importance of the macro-region for Russia: "Modern Siberia is not only
resources and minerals, but also a modern technological economy, and even
creative industries, modern digital economy.
A separate issue is the reorientation to the East - this is a very
serious challenge, but it is also certainly new opportunities. The large border
with China, access to Southeast Asia and the East is of strategic importance.
There are already certain successes here in terms of the development of
infrastructure projects, connections, and in terms of economic projects".
Infrastructure
projects, development of technologies, digitalization - all these achievements
of recent years were reflected in the exposition and, according to experts,
were the result of a competent management strategy to modernize the Soviet
heritage.
"There
is a unique reserve in the Siberian regions: coal industry and projects to
develop non-coal sectors in Kuzbass, scientific centers in Omsk, Tomsk,
Novosibirsk, points of tourist attraction, such as the Altai Republic, Lake
Baikal in the Irkutsk region. These foundations will become a point of shaping
the future. In Tomsk, a Big University will be created on the basis of regional
universities and research institutes; in the Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk
regions, infrastructure is being developed: a new terminal of the Tolmachevo
airport is being built and a postal logistics center is already in operation;
in Krasnoyarsk, a few month ago, the President opened the Vysokogorsky Bridge -
the northernmost crossing of the Yenisei River. In the Irkutsk region, thanks
to federal support, the Kovykta field - the largest in terms of reserves in the
eastern part of our country – was put into operation. Next year will mark the
50th anniversary since the start of the construction of the Baikal-Amur
Mainline - a historic project that still retains its strategic importance and
is being modernized to meet the new realities. This project shapes the
future", - said Daria Kislitsyna.
Mikhail Kiselev agrees that the stand concepts are closely linked to the development results of recent years: "The RUSSIA EXPO showcases the idea of the great potential of the Siberian regions, the way residents transform their cities, create new things and develop a variety of areas. And it's not just about natural resources, it's about science, creativity, sports, tourism, universities, and youth. For example, Kuzbass has taken a clear course to create a progressive region and attract young people. For this purpose, the authorities are actively developing social policy, building a cultural, tourist cluster, creative areas. In Tomsk they are drafting a project of a new student campus construction, and there are many such examples".
You can visit the stands of the regions of the Siberian Federal District in the Pavilion No. 75 of VDNH up to and including April 12, 2024. The Days of the Regions of the Urals Federal District will start tomorrow at the International RUSSIA EXPO.
