A round-table "South Ossetia's investment potential: comprehensive approach, problems and perspectives" was held in Tskhinval 6 may. South Ossetia State University, International Institute of New States and the European Center for Geopolitical Analysis have organized the event. As emphasized by the Chief Editor of the Informational Agency REGNUM Modest Kolerov, the development of South Ossetia's economy should focus on development of high technologies, support to professional development of specialists and protection of environment.
"I very much hope that the government of Russia and the Russian Railways will be convinced in the necessity to resume the project of building a railway connection between Vladikavkaz and Tskhinval. This is a minor problem for the development of the technological productions in South Ossetia. But no, it seems to be the most important factor to ensure secured and quick access for hundreds of thousand tourists to the beautiful land of South Ossetia, and to stably, without extra expenses, build qualitative housing", said Kolerov.
In his opinion, at the current stage it is necessary to solve the problem with telecommunications. "Tskhinval can easily become the first town in the world where each of the street may have Wi-Fi connection. Technically, it is possible already in the near future, one should only have a well-through approach. It is not that expensive as it may seem", noted Kolerov.
According to him, long-suffering South Ossetia needs such large-scale telecommunications and engineering solutions.
"Besides, for the South Ossetian State University these engineering, technical and service providing projects will become natural source of demand for qualified specialists for decades; they will provide for grounds to educate people not in abstract studies of economy, law or philosophy, but prepare professionals to be engaged in real professional work. I believe, the current rector of the University will support us in this. I also believe that the South Ossetian University will find support among the leading academic, technology and university centers of Russia. There are already solid grounds to make related plans", stated Kolerov.
"Support to development of professional specialists and high technologies, protection of the environment, to minimize the damage to the nature while developing high technologies and telecommunications - this is South Ossetia's way", said Kolerov.
According to the director of the International Institute of New States Alexander Martinov, it is necessary to develop innovative high-technology productions in the Republic. "In the Soviet Union, we did not have aggressive Georgia, there were no global economic and customs barriers. Today, the logistics routes from the Republic are limited. Why shouldn't South Ossetia build productions oriented at the neighboring federal entities of the RF – the North Caucasus Federal District and Southern Federal District. Moreover, there is no that big variety of conflicts of interests as it is in Russia. The South Ossetian society and the government are quite unanimous in their will to see the Republic prosperous and successful as a state. Of course, the attraction of investments is the primary goal for all and everyone", said Martinov. Besides, according to Martinov, apart from the direct production cycle, social investments are important, i.e., investments in education and professional training and support.
In his turn, the State Advisor to the RSO President Kosta Dzugaev expressed his viewpoint that one of the preconditions for sustainable innovative development of South Ossetia are the efforts made the President's team. "Without stiff management it would be difficult to solve the current problems of development. Moreover, it is unacceptable in this situation that the authorities demonstrate certain indicators of disagreement", said Dzugaev. Meanwhile, according to Dzugaev, a group of South Ossetian MPs had serious grounds for putting forward the issue of the government's impeachment. "We will see what the outcome will be, but I believe that more powerful presidential authority is necessary for creation of appropriate policy and management conditions favorable for rapid growth of South Ossetia", said the State Advisor. According to former member of the parliament Tarzan Kokoity, it is crucial to create in South Ossetia optimal conditions for outside investments into the economy of the Republic. "The creation of such conditions is the direct task of the authorities, all branches of power. Business community is very sensitive to the political situation in the country, into the economy of which the investments are to be made, and if the local legislature is favorable for these investments. It is important to improve the legal basis and the judiciary so that businessmen feel secured", said Kokoity.
Experts, economists, politicians, political scientist and journalists from South Ossetia, Russia and Byelorussia ,В also participated in the Round-table.
