Meeting with Acting Governor of Kaliningrad Region Alexei Besprozvannykh

Alexei Besprozvannykh Besprozvannykh AlexeiActing Governor of the Kaliningrad Region , who was appointed Acting
Governor of the Kaliningrad Region by Presidential Executive Order of May 15,
2024, reported that he has been actively engaged in getting to know the region
and the current situation there, discussing economic challenges and tasks in the economy with the business and social issues with the people. A plan for the region’s further development is under preparation.
Particular attention is being paid to the special military operation, its participants and their family members. According
to the Acting Governor, there are quite a few support programmes in place, and funds have been allocated to purchase the necessary equipment and gear. Disbursements
have been increased for individuals who sign contracts to serve in the special
military operation. A rehabilitation centre is operating in the region, and there
are discussions about adding a second building. When working with the families
of special military operation participants, the regional government seeks to meet
all their needs. Alexei Besprozvannykh also spoke about the assistance to the Kherson Region, where repairs of kindergartens and schools are underway, and mentioned that together with the head of the Kherson Region, they are working
on a plan of action until 2030.
Turning to economic matters, Alexei
Besprozvannykh said that the Kaliningrad Region has been facing certain
challenges in terms of its development over the past two years considering its
geography and sanctions, among other factors. However, it has been able to overcome practically all of them with the support it received from the President and the federal government. As of today, it expects its gross
regional product to grow by 4.7 percent, with a projected growth of 5.8 percent
in 2025–2027.
The industrial output has been recovering, with
manufacturing viewed as the main economic development driver for the region. By 2027, the region hopes to be able to reach pre-crisis manufacturing volumes as well as build a modern, high-technology manufacturing sector with a focus on domestic
solutions.
The emphasis in agriculture is on self-sufficiency. According to Mr Besprozvannykh, full self-sufficiency has
been reached in grains, potatoes, milk, meat, meat products, and chicken eggs. Currently,
self-sufficiency in the vegetable group is about 60 percent, and this problem
will be addressed with support from the Ministry of Agriculture.
However, the region will face a human resources problem in achieving these plans. Enterprises are already developing a programme to attract personnel from other regions, as well as a programme to automate production. Mr Besprozvannykh believes that the initial results can be
expected in eighteen to twenty-four months.
The topic of maritime transport, which
is vital for the region’s life and economic development, was also discussed.
The federal government has already decided to subsidise reduced rates for the transportation of goods.
Mr
Besprozvannykh addressed the President with a request concerning reduced
airfares. He said that 1.1 billion rubles have already been allocated for soft-term
financing, but it is very important to secure uninterrupted financing. Vladimir
Putin confirmed that the government will continue to subsidise airfares, and in terms of maritime transport, which currently serves as the main transport
corridor for both delivering and exporting goods, a new ferry is scheduled to be delivered to Kaliningrad by the Zvezda shipyard at the end of 2028, with
another one planned for 2029.
The discussion also touched on the social sphere, including new healthcare and education facilities and the construction of cultural facilities, such as the Planet Ocean museum complex, a branch of the Tretyakov Gallery, and a branch of the Bolshoi Theatre.
Mr Besprozvannykh also said that if
the region’s residents trust him to head the Kaliningrad Region at the upcoming
elections, he will do his best to meet their expectations.
Vladimir Putin noted that he
would try to help Mr Besprozvannykh fulfil his plans, as he was the one to appoint him acting governor. However, the President stressed that the final decision
rests with the people of the Kaliningrad Region.