Vladimir Putin discusses the significance and appeal of the Far East at the Valdai forum at the National Centre RUSSIA
The systematic development of the Far East was one of the topics addressed by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, at the plenary session of the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 1 October. Responding to a question from Feng Shaolei, Director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University, the head of state spoke about new cultural centres, the region's appeal to tourists and a unified preferential regime.
The President stressed that efforts to develop the macro-region have been pursued purposefully and systematically for many years: "Our efforts to develop the Far East are purposeful and have been under way for many years. We have created an effective and functioning system of preferences there for Russian and foreign businesses, for our current and potential future partners and investors."
The head of state recalled that a unified preferential regime will take effect in the Far East on 1 January 2027, bringing together the existing mechanisms of Territories of Advanced Development, the Free Port of Vladivostok and the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation. The President of Russia described this decision as unprecedented. Among the achievements in the development of the Far Eastern macro-region, the head of state also highlighted the Vostochny Cosmodrome and the transition of the region's military aviation enterprises to civilian production.
The President also paid particular attention to the intellectual and cultural development of the Far East. Vladimir Putin spoke about the construction of one of Russia's largest cultural centres, which will house branches of the Hermitage Museum, the Russian Museum, the Bolshoi Theatre and the Mariinsky Theatre. The President stressed that cultural cooperation would be attractive not only to residents of the Far East and Eastern Siberia, but also to all of Russia's neighbours in the region.
Branches of the National Centre RUSSIA are also becoming an important part of the development of the Far Eastern regions, offering spaces for realising their tourism potential and new popular attractions for residents and visitors. These spaces are being created on the instructions of the head of state and bring together cultural, public and educational projects. The country's first branch of the National Centre RUSSIA began operating in Vladivostok in September 2025 and was opened by the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin. The 2,500-square-metre space is designed in a maritime style and introduces visitors to the nature, culture, scientific and educational potential, tourism opportunities and development prospects of the Primorye Territory.
Another branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Far East is planned for the Khabarovsk Territory, on Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island. The project is an important part of the comprehensive development of this unique cross-border territory and is being implemented following agreements between Russia and China in line with the course set by the leaders of the two countries — the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, and the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. It will be the first National Centre space located directly on an island. Bolshoi Ussuriysky Island is of particular importance to Russia and China: its location creates opportunities for new transport, economic, cultural and tourism links. The future branch of the National Centre RUSSIA in the Khabarovsk Territory could become an "eastern gateway" through which visitors can discover the diversity of Russia, its achievements, centuries-old traditions and unique products made by Russian manufacturers.
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club was held from 28 September to 1 October 2026. The forum's plenary session took place on the fourth and final day. For the first time, the Club's flagship event was held at the National Centre RUSSIA. The broadcast is available on the website and on the National Centre's social media accounts.
