“The Far East will be Russia’s strategic priority throughout the 21st century.” Vladimir Putin’s key statements at the 2023 Eastern Economic Forum
“The Far Eastern Federal District accounts for about 40% of Russian territory. It holds almost one half of all our forests and gold reserves, over 70% of fish, diamonds, and over 30% of titanium, copper, etc. There are major strategic enterprises, seaports and railways operating here. In all, Russia’s Far East has an exceptionally big role to play in our country, as well as in its future and Russia’s standing in the multipolar world order.”
The President pointed out that the Far Eastern seaports increased their cargo shipments 1.6-fold, housing construction was up 1.3-fold, energy use grew 1.2-fold, while gold and coal mining in the country’s eastern regions increased 1.6-fold and 2.8-fold, respectively.
“Today, the proportion of explored subsurface resources in Russia's Far East hovers around 35%, on average. <…> This means that we have all it takes to expand minerals extraction several times over, including by producing more strategic commodities which are in short supply today, and which we need to build a forward-looking economy.”
Vladimir Putin suggested including a special section on exploring mineral reserves in the Far East in the frontal strategy titled Geology. Revival of a Legend.
“We are about to offer a solid supply of raw materials to foster economic development. This will enable us to move forward, increase the processing depth, and enable Russian companies to create more added value, as experts say.”
Vladimir Putin suggested tailoring the cluster-based investment platform, which offers funding for major undertakings, to focus on promoting economic development in Russia’s Far East.
“Considering the magnitude of the projects we are carrying out in the Far East, we need to engage in an all-out effort to upgrade the power grid here.”
To deliver on this task, the President suggested drafting a programme to develop the regional generating capacity up to 2050.
“We need transport projects to support business initiatives and the Arctic and Far Eastern economies in general, as well as the people living there. We must expand the existing logistics routes and create new shipping corridors.”
The key projects in this regard include developing ports along the Northern Sea Route, upgrading the Baikal-Amur and Trans-Siberian railways, and creating the Rossiya transport corridor as a single network of motorways linking St Petersburg to Vladivostok, as well expanding air travel within the Far Eastern region and promoting better connectivity with other Russian regions.
“Improving the quality of life for our people and offering them pleasant and modern educational and working environments, as well as recreational opportunities, and enabling them to care for their children while fostering demographic growth in Russia’s Far Eastern regions are all essential and integral goals that transpire through our plans dealing with the Far Eastern economy, transport and infrastructure.”
In particular, the President suggested expanding the Far Eastern Mortgage programme by increasing the maximum loan value and making these mortgages more accessible to all those working for the Far Eastern defence manufacturers.
“Not only must the Far East lead the way in terms of improving its economy, social services and urban environment, but while working on these plans and projects we must be mindful of the need to care for the unique ecosystems and preserve hundreds of rare plants and animal species.”
For that, Vladimir Putin suggested, among other things, allocating more funding to the Far Eastern national parks in 2024.
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Vladivostok, Khabarovsk, Blagoveshchensk and Birobidzhan all closely interact with Asia-Pacific countries, so tourism, logistics, investment cooperation and transport infrastructure development dominate their master plans.
