President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, Mr Manturov.
Let us begin with national projects aimed at ensuring our technological leadership.
First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov: Yes, Mr President, with your permission.
The Government has finished putting together a package of eight national projects aimed at ensuring our technological leadership. We worked hard with the regions, the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and with our business and research communities, discussing each project at the Government’s strategic sessions chaired by Mikhail Mishustin.
We have agreed on the main priorities, parameters, support measures and funding. By 2030, we are to allocate about three trillion rubles for the implementation of these projects, and the constituent entities of the Russian Federation and businesses are to provide a commensurate amount. Taken together, this should be sufficient to achieve the development goals you have set for us. This will help improve the technological standards of the country’s socioeconomic development in the main areas in the near term.
Mr President, this primarily pertains to the industrial sector. As you have instructed, our overarching priority is the renewal of fixed assets and the enhancement of labour productivity.
The national project on means of production and automation is of critical importance in this regard. Our efforts will focus not only on metalworking machinery but will also extend to additive technology equipment.
Furthermore, as per your instruction, we are tasked with expanding the development and supply of robots for diverse applications. By 2030, our target is to manufacture approximately 40,000 units for various functions. Currently, our equipment level stands at 19 units per 10,000, and we aim to increase this figure to at least 145 units.
Another critical initiative is the New Materials and Chemistry national project, which encompasses rare-earth metals, composites, and microbiological products. It is imperative that we re-establish 55 critical technological chains, which should lead to an estimated increase in added value of one trillion rubles by 2030.
The next national project concerns transport mobility. Its development is set to drive growth across several sectors, notably aviation, shipbuilding, and transport machinery, as well as the production of electric and hybrid vehicles. A crucial component of this initiative is the development of high-speed transportation. By 2028, we plan to produce the first two high-speed trains, and by 2030, deliver 43 units of rolling stock for high-speed rail. Emphasis is being placed on the production of units and components, as well as the creation of maintenance systems.
Space is a separate area, and here, we are focusing on the establishment of assembly-line production for satellites, with consideration given to private sector participation.
Vladimir Putin:For the production of space equipment.
Denis Manturov: Indeed, to enhance orbital constellations for diverse applications, including Earth remote sensing.
To ensure economic viability of launches, the development and production of reusable launch vehicles are essential.
We also have a national project dedicated to advancing healthcare solutions. This project prioritises the creation of next-generation medical devices and pharmaceuticals, particularly for the treatment of socially significant diseases. Technologies for cognitive diseases are also high on our agenda.
The Technological Support of Food Security national project focuses on genetics, breeding, and the increased production of veterinary vaccines, medicines, enzymes, and food and feed additives.
Our commitment to advancing food and agricultural machinery, as well as equipment for livestock farming, remains steadfast.
In the context of the Innovative Nuclear and Energy Technologies national project, our focus within the nuclear sector is on the development of small power reactor technologies.
Vladimir Putin: They are increasingly in demand.
Denis Manturov: Absolutely.
Vladimir Putin: The IAEA does not regard even small incidents as such; these do not lead to grave consequences even when developments take the most unfavourable turn.
Denis Manturov: Quite right. This is why we regard this as being in demand and will focus on it. I am referring to both the non-waste closed fuel cycle and the development of controlled thermonuclear technologies.
Our current level of technological sovereignty in the power engineering and oil-and-gas machine building is 72 percent. We have set the goal of increasing this level to 90 percent by 2030. Now, if we speak about the power engineering industry, this is primarily…
Vladimir Putin: We were trying, as you may remember, to find solutions regarding turbines. Now the situation is changing for the better.
Denis Manturov: Yes, absolutely. You have launched the 110 MW unit at the Udarnaya thermal power station in Temryuk. This was the first task we implemented. It was challenging, but now it demonstrates high-quality, faultless performance.
Vladimir Putin: We were at a loss as to what to install in Crimea.
Denis Manturov: Quite right. Now there is no dilemma of this sort.
Similarly, the current task is to finalise localisation of equipment for LNG technologies. Solar and wind generation, and, of course, energy storage systems… This is one of the most important global trends, and it is important for us as well.
As regards energy and food security, the areas I have mentioned, we are planning a considerable amount of work under the new Bioeconomy national project. Its implementation will consolidate the microbiological and biotechnological industries (at the interface of both) and ensure the development of organic products for high-performance agriculture and human health.
We will also embrace the Biochemistry and continuous recycling segment. I am referring to waste treatment and the production of biological fuel. The Government will finalise this national project by next April, as we have coordinated with you, and will submit it for your approval.
Finally, regarding the national project on drones [Unmanned Aircraft Systems], which has been implemented since January of this year. Its main aim is to increase output five-fold and achieve an independence level of 70 percent by 2030. However, as we see today, the rate of embracing the technology is such that I believe this target will be reached earlier.
Vladimir Putin: I think so, yes, as the engines are already being manufactured.
Denis Manturov: That’s right. Both electric components and controllers.
The second priority is to produce all components in Russia.
The third task involves the regulatory documents to ensure everyone understands the rules of operating unmanned aircraft systems.
Vladimir Putin: You have established cooperation with the regulatory and law enforcement agencies.
Denis Manturov: Yes, we have.
Mr President, an important factor in the successful implementation of all our national projects is the long-term demand for the products that are being manufactured or planned for production. We will use additional incentives such as offset agreements, an improved public-private partnership mechanism and the extension of the nationwide regime to procurement by companies co-owned by the state.
It goes without saying that our overarching strategic task is to provide personnel for all the national projects I have reported to you on today. There is a separate section on staffing strategies in each national project’s data sheet. Agreements have been reached with the Ministry of Science and the Ministry of Education on training specialists that the industries need. If you support this approach, we will submit it to the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects for approval in December.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, I will certainly support it, of course.
Some aspects definitely need to be improved – we need to provide a market for space services. If we do not have a market for these services, we will soon exhaust government funding.
Denis Manturov: Mr President, we are working to monetise this service on your instructions, including by amending the law on space activities. This will help include all government agencies, each of which should have a budget for [space services].
Vladimir Putin: This is the most important point. It is clear that the head of any agency wants to minimise costs and use free services provided by Roscosmos, which are ultimately funded from the state budget. However, if they actually pay for these services, they will use them more rationally, and Roscosmos will then have a market.
Denis Manturov: This is the principle we are guided by. We are certainly counting on a commercial market as well, which is growing rapidly. There is practically no activity or industry that can operate without remote sensing services today, not a single industry.
Vladimir Putin: Composite materials and rare-earth metals are also very promising industries. We must certainly take maximum advantage of the opportunities they provide, and we can develop them independently. Everyone knows how necessary and important rare-earth metals are. Everyone is aware of all the major [international] suppliers, the locations where these minerals are mined, the production outlook, and who has monopoly of the market. But we have our own suppliers.
Not long ago, the head of Yakutia told me, with regret, that in their republic there is…
Denis Manturov: The Tomtor deposit.
Vladimir Putin: Yes, it is there, but it is sort of in mid-air. The businesses that took out these deposits many years ago are not investing in them. Talk to them and address this issue: they either invest themselves or partner with other companies, with the government. It is a strategically important resource that the state needs at this point.
Denis Manturov: We will work on it, Mr President.
Most importantly, we are focusing on re-using secondary resources that become available during ore processing.
Vladimir Putin: I understand that.
Denis Manturov: Yes, to produce oxides. The key part was to obtain the extraction technology, which we did.
Vladimir Putin: This matter needs to be sorted out.
Denis Manturov: Absolutely, Mr President.
Vladimir Putin: Some other areas are also in a hang state.
Denis Manturov: We will work on them.
Vladimir Putin: I understand that investment plans vary across companies. Sometimes projects just do not work out. That happens to public and private projects alike. All you need to do is talk to the people, that’s all. Ok?
Denis Manturov: Of course, we will carry out your instruction.
Vladimir Putin: Good. Overall, these projects are quite sizable and significant. I hope we can all work together to implement them and, if we succeed, the structure of our economy will be changing at the pace we need.
Thank you.
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