Putin: Smolensk should become an attractive outpost of Western Russia

Smolensk should become an attractive outpost of the West of Russia, for this much needs to be done, stated Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting on socio-economic development of the Smolensk region.

“Smolensk is our western outpost, historically it has developed this way, and it is necessary that this gateway to Russia, that this advanced territory on the western side be in proper condition, so that it is a good attractive outpost of Russia from the west. To achieve this, I repeat once again, a lot needs to be done. A lot of problems have accumulated there,” Putin said.

He added that a lot has already been done in the region, but “much more” needs to be done, and there is no need to wait for “the onset of some circumstances” to work. The region has very good potential, and the team being formed is professional, the president noted.

During the meeting, Putin also announced the region’s obvious successes in a number of areas. According to him, the industrial production index in the first half of this year amounted to 111.9%, which is the seventh result in the country, and the output of manufacturing enterprises increased by 17.5%. The head of state also noted “good prospects” in the agricultural sector of the Smolensk region. The leadership of the region, Putin added, is faced with the task of organizing work in such a way as to ensure the comprehensive development of the region, launch new infrastructure and logistics projects, encourage business activity, work to increase people’s incomes and quality of life and develop the social sphere.