Welcome speech of Kursk region Governor Alexander Mikhailov to the participants of the Central Russian Economic Forum

Dear friends,

A key priority of Kursk region’s investment policy is to hold high-profile events which help promote the local investment potential. One of the main such events is the Kursk Korenskaya Fair which has a long history and was reborn in 2000. Since 2012, the Fair has been preceded one day by the Central Russian Economic Forum which takes place for the fifth time this year.

In 2014 and 2015, the Central Russian Economic Forum took place amidst a challenging economic situation. The Government of Russia is taking measures to stabilize the situation and to concentrate resources on the top priority development objectives. Today’s support of the real economy by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities is of great importance.

The regional governments of Russia’s federal subjects are also changing policies. We are paying much closer attention to businesses capable of creating an innovative economy, developing products with a competitive edge against the world analogues and in good demand in foreign markets. We are now convinced of our ability to produce lots of things domestically with high quality and reliability, without the need to import foodstuffs and other products.

It is essential that we support such domestic producers, create a favorable environment for implementing projects aimed at making innovative and competitive products. Right now, these producers are creating a foundation for future generations, setting the future technology development trends, ensuring Russia’s industrial and food security.

We need to ask ourselves: what legacy will we leave for future generations, what can they use as a scientific and industrial base to ensure decent living standards?

Today, discussions mostly revolve around anti-crisis measures to be taken in the short and medium term – although this period of our history provides an opportunity to fundamentally change the trajectory of development towards creating technologies of a higher level.

Another key problem is how we bring up the younger generation, what moral and cultural values we teach them, what will they become in ten or twenty years, and what will they leave for descendants in their turn? What should be changed in the public conscience to make patriotism, love of country and responsibility for its fate natural feelings for any person, regardless of age? How can we change the people’s attitude towards their health, encourage a healthy lifestyle and healthy eating? What needs to be done to preserve our cultural heritage and to create conditions for the further development of creativity and arts? What is our vision of the cities we want to live in, how can we make them comfortable and attractive to people?

We have to address all these issues today at the federal and regional level, as well as in families.

We invite you to discuss possible solutions to the challenges we are faced with at the 5^th Central Russian Economic Forum which will take place in Kursk on July 1-2, 2016. For four years since 2012, the Forum has proved to be an effective instrument of handling regional problems and a venue for the meaningful discussion of most topical issues by representatives of the federal bodies and regions.

The main theme of this year’s Forum is “Economy in the Interest of New Generations.”

In 2016, the Forum will include a plenary session and a number of topical round tables addressing the development of industry and agriculture, small businesses and the housing and utilities sector, youth initiatives, healthcare, sports, culture and education. Just as in previous years, we invite entrepreneurs from the regions making part of Russia’s Central federal district to participate in the business competition of investment projects and the “Creating Future Now” project exhibition.

Kursk region looks forward to welcoming participants of the 5th Central Russian Economic Forum and will do everything to make your visit effective and comfortable!

See you in Kursk region!

Alexander Mikhailov,
the Governor of Kursk region