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On March 18 Head of Karelia Sergey Katanandov held the enlarged session of the Government of the republic, devoted to social and economic status of the region on results of 2007. «We have gone through the key for our country period of renewal of superior government bodies of the country, – Sergey Katanandov has noted. – Elections in the State Duma and presidential elections have passed civilly and calmly. People have supported Vladimir Putin's policy and have given credence to Dmitry Medvedev. It means, that obligations assumed by the authority will be fulfilled. The task of the Government of Karelia is to continue work on construction of new economy which will provide growth of the living standard in the republic.»
Pavel Chernov addresses the meeting
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Besides members of the Government of Karelia in the session participated the Legislative Assembly of the republic Chairman Nikolay Levin, Chief Federal Inspector in Karelia Valentin Shmykov, the State Duma deputy Valentina Pivnenko, heads of leading enterprises and organizations of the region. Prime Minister of the republic Pavel Chernov made a report on results of development of Karelia in 2007. Teachers, doctors, scientists, public figures, businessmen and representatives of local self-government took part in discussion of the report.
Enlarged session of the Government of Karelia
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According to the Prime minister, last year growth of gross regional product in Karelia has made of 5%, and the index of industrial production achieved 116.8%. On this parameter the republic has won the 11 place among the regions of Russia and the 2 place among regions of the Northwest.
As Pavel Chernov has emphasized, the budget of Karelia is characterized by growing social orientation. More than 65% of on-budget expenditures in 2007 (14,2 billion roubles) have been assigned on implementation and development of social policy. Education expenditures have increased by 18%, public health services and sports expenditures – by 24%, culture expenditures – by 26%, social support expenditures – by 32%.
Participants of the enlarged session of the Government of the RK
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In 2007 more than 309 thousand people, or more than 45% of total number of citizens of Karelia, received social support. State support was rendered to 90% of pensioners of the region.
Average monthly wage in 2007 in the republic has made 13.3 thousand roubles (11 thousand rbl. in 2006), and total wage arrears has decreased 3.5-fold and has made 8 million roubles. At that, the number of workers debts to whom should be paid, decreased from 3,1 to 1,4 thousand people.
Head of Karelia resumes the session
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Volume of investments into economy of Karelia in 2007 has made 18,6 billion roubles; volume of foreign investments has made $157,5 million. Within a year it has been completed more than 20 large investment projects and created more than 2 thousand workplaces.
Speaking of problems, Head of Karelia has emphasized, that rising prices and low incomes of elderly population in 2007 left the hardest aftertaste. Besides, Sergey Katanandov has demanded to strengthen struggle against drunkenness, production of substitute alcohol and unlicensed alcohol trade.
Sergey Katanandov recommended Institutions of local government to keep order in the sphere of housing and communal services more intently and demand sternly from communal services experts. Thus, Head of Karelia has promised to help local authorities to protect interests of citizens, but has warned, that on results of the year the Government will consider seriously results of work of all municipal chiefs responsible for accomplishment of settlements, maintenance of trouble-free work of municipal services and maintenance of available housing.
Also Sergey Katanandov has paid attention of the Government to incomplete use of competitive advantages which Karelia possesses. In the opinion of the head of the republic, in the near future it is necessary to promote such promising brands of the region as schungite, porphyrite and White Sea herring, promote fame and tourist appeal of Petrozavodsk, Kizhi island, Valaam, Vodlozero and Paanajarvi national parks, the first Russian spa resort Marcial Waters.
Head of Karelia has especially emphasized, that innovative development is required both in economy, and in social sphere in the republic. Necessary plans and programs are already approved at the republican level, and as Sergey Katanandov declared in conclusion, «We will sternly demand their execution.»
Estimating the beginning of 2008, head of rthe egion has noted: «In 2 months we have provided 10% of economic growth. It is a good reserve to face the future with optimism.»
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