Primorye is ready for large-scale projects - governor
The Primorye Governor Sergey Darkin started his opening speech at the Pacific Economic Congress with the words, "Vladivostok has a great experience as a comfortable communicative ground. Our city is located in a unique geopolitical situation. In fact, Vladivostok is the closest city with European culture for our neighbors from the Asia-Pacific countries. The Primorsky Territory has long become a strong bridge for economic, cultural, and scientific cooperation between Europe and Asia."
The Governor wished all the participants of the First Pacific Economic Congress successful work on behalf of all residents of Primorye.
The Congress started with the plenary session on the topic "Trade, economic, and investment cooperation of Russia with Asia-Pacific countries." Sergey Darkin made a speech on Vladivostok as an economic outpost of Russia in the Asia-Pacific.
Sergey Darkin noted that RF Government and the President's recent decisions open a new stage for development in Primorye. The Governor spoke on the significant projects, such as the APEC summit in 2012, creation of the "Big Vladivostok," and creation of new large industries that will be realized in Primorye soon. The Governor spoke on a special port economic zone that will be created in Primorye and the development of transport infrastructure.
Mr. Darkin also spoke on creation of the Far Eastern sea cluster that will unite a state-owned sea shipping company and a centre for maritime education that will unite all the maritime education institutions in the Far East. The Primorsky Territory Administration plans on large-scale modernization of Vladivostok infrastructure, integrated development of power economy, a new tourism and recreation area in southern Primorye. Experts assess that the gross regional product (GRP) will soar six-fold thanks to the mentioned projects by 2020.
At the end of his speech, Mr. Darkin said that the Territory Administration is now preparing an integrated development programme for Primorye till 2025. It will include all the key indicators and projects of the region. The work will be finished in November and is supposed to become a reference for direct investors.