Maria Kostyuk reported on the Jewish Autonomous Region’s results for the year. In particular, the gross regional product (GRP) grew by 4.4 percent, while investment in fixed capital rose by 35 percent. This was driven by the expansion of the logistics sector, which has emerged as a new engine of growth – notably through the project to build a road bridge across the Amur River to China, for which China has already provided utility connections. The bridge has paved the way for the establishment of a neighbouring priority development area, with 13 applicants currently seeking residency status. On the investment front, 30 projects worth some 200 billion rubles were completed over the course of the year.
Maria Kostyuk noted that her team is made up of people from Tatarstan, Tver, Ulyanovsk, Moscow and many other regions, all of whom are not afraid to take on difficult challenges. This has produced tangible results: four new enterprises have opened, including a manufacturer of reinforced concrete products and metal structures for mining equipment. The East Group command has also been a valuable source of support, particularly in youth engagement. The Governor also recalled that she chairs the State Council subcommittee on mechanisms for preserving historical memory and spoke about her efforts in this area. She devoted part of her report to support of the participants in the special military operation and their families, adding that she would like to show returning veterans the renewed country they are fighting to defend.
In terms of economic indicators, the growth has been substantial. The Governor highlighted education as a key priority in the region’s human capital development. The pace of major school renovations has doubled, three educational facilities are being built with the involvement of the Ministry of Education, teachers’ salaries have been tripled, and 149 people have returned to work in the education sector. The number of targeted higher-education contracts, which require graduates to return to work in the region, has increased more than tenfold this year.