Alexei Orlov said the gross regional product had doubled over the past five years, primarily due to positive dynamics in agriculture, which is the main industry in the region. Last year alone, the volume of agricultural output increased by 1.6 billion rubles.
Kalmykia is a leading agricultural republic in Russia. It holds second place in the country in the number of head of beef cattle, goats and sheep and in wool production. It is also developing its meat-processing sector.
Regarding the social sector, Mr Orlov reported on the successful implementation of the May 2012 Presidential Executive Orders in preschool education and sports. He said the republic launched the reorganisation of the healthcare system and completed the construction of a multifunctional sports centre with a swimming pool and several gyms for rhythmic gymnastics, wrestling, boxing and ethnic sports.