The Governor reported that as of June 8, 6,355 people were infected in the region. A total of 732 patients receive medical treatment in hospitals; 48 people died despite the doctors’ efforts; 2,343 patients recovered. The testing rate is increasing. Production of personal protective gear has been launched promptly. The number of infected decreased last week.
The Governor also thanked the President and the Defence Ministry for building in the region a multifunctional medical centre with 160 beds.
Mr Golubev asked the President to instruct the Government of the Russian Federation to consider the possibility of allocating funds for providing a new specialised infectious disease hospital that is under construction in the region and is to be completed before the end of this year, with the equipment it needs.
Speaking about the economy, Mr Golubev described the situation in the region as generally stable. In 2019, the GRP increased 1.3 percent and industrial production went up 1.9 percent. Agricultural production grew 5.4 percent. Over 2.5 million square metres of housing was built in 2019, which is a 9.5 percent increase over the previous year. The region’s companies have increased exports by 1.7 times over the last five years.
The region is carrying out major investment projects, for example, the construction of a new complex at the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, modernisation of transport infrastructure and eight projects on wind energy. Farms for 6,600 head are being built in the agro-industrial sector. Four special investment contracts for a total of 6.4 billion rubles, notably, the Novocherkassk Electrode Plant and three facilities for the manufacture of parts for the electrical energy industry. This work is being carried out in cooperation with RUSNANO, Rosatom, Italy’s Enel and Finland’s Fortum.
Social issues, in particular, the development of healthcare, clean water distribution and improving living standards were also discussed. A total of 880,000 people are covered by federal social support measures. Regional measures cover an additional 55,000 families.
The Governor also asked the President to issue instructions to the Government regarding the Rostov Transport Ring project and the construction of a residential neighbourhood. One more non-financial request concerned the events dedicated to the 450th anniversary of the service of the Don Cossacks to Russia and an invitation to attend these celebrations.
Vladimir Putin made several remarks on the Governor’s report. He noted a decline in agricultural production, decreasing soil fertility, a decline in investment in fixed capital, reduction in construction volumes and a drop in the permanent population. The President also noted positive indicators, such as the growth of industrial production, foreign trade and the GRP, a reduction in the unemployment rate and good investment projects.
Mr Golubev told the President about his intention to run for another term as regional governor and asked for support.
Vladimir Putin said the dynamics of the region’s development is generally positive and this is the result of work by all its residents and the Governor’s team. So Mr Golubev has the grounds to run for re-election as regional governor. The President wished him success.