EBRD ready to assist in creation of workplaces in Far East

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev, RF Minister of Economic Development and Trade German Gref, President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development Jean Lemierre took part in business-lunch devoted to development of Far East region of Russia.

The event was held at the hotel complex «Mirage» within the framework of the EBRD summit in Kazan.

The following officials were invited to the business lunch: representatives of RF President in Privolzhye and Far East Federal Districts Alexander Konovalov and Kamil Iskhakov, Governor of Primorye Territory Sergey Darkin, the head of Sakhalin Province Ivan Malakhov, Governor of Magadan Province Nikolay Dudov and other officials. Business circles of the country were represented by Chairman of RAO «UES» Anatoliy Chubais, the head of Russian Union of Manufacturers and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin, the head of «Severstal» Alexey Mordashev, deputy chairman RF Central Bank Alexey Ulyukaev and others. Vice President of Asian Development Bank Jin Liqun and the head of Canadian managing Company «Dundee Precious Metals» Jonathan Goodman, other representatives of foreign companies and governments of foreign states also took part in the discussion.

After the meeting came to its end, Mintimer Shaimiev, German Gref and Jean Lemierre informed journalists about some details of the conversation.

The EBRD President evaluated the meeting as a «vivid and good discussion on values that the EBRD shares». According to his words, they discussed changes that take place in the country, potential to create new workplaces, issues of energy-saving and competitiveness of economy. «We talked not only about Privolzhye Region, but about Far East too, - Jean Lemierre indicated. – Mr Gref informed about global changes that expect economy of Russia, and we all share his point of view». «Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev reminded us that we need to trust technologies, but people should be trusted more»,- the EBRD President continued.

«There were global discussion and a more utilitarian one, - Mintimer Shaimiev shared his impressions. – What will happen to nature and us in the process of satisfying increasing demands of every person?» The head of the republic emphasized that each person has to «collectively and individually» think about how to provide a worthy life level in conditions of increasing population and be prepared for the future.

German Gref added that agreement with the EBRD authorities on expansion of the bank operations in Far East region of Russia and opening several offices has been achieved today.