President of South Ossetia Alan Gagloev has held a meeting with Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Volvach, who arrived in the Republic on a working visit, the press service of the head of state reports.
As emphasized by Dmitry Volvach, in the summer, during his last visit, a lot of practical work was carried out and the results were not long in coming.
“All the issues that we planned and discussed in the summer are being resolved. This is good news. This year we are completing 18 facilities, and for new facilities and we will be partially producing projects and design estimates for new facilities," he said.
The Investment program
Dmitry Volvach said that he had visited a children's recreation camp in Mziugom in Dzau district on an inspection trip, which is being built as part of the Investment Program to Promote the Socio-Economic Development of South Ossetia.
“My colleagues have really stepped up their construction work. Excavation and landscaping work is underway. The finishing of the buildings is in progress. Now we need to think through the concept of its use. This facility will truly delight the residents of the Republic, children and tourists,” he said.
Dmitry Volvach has emphasized that the opening of the basalt plant is a significant event.
“It is very gratifying that the project has begun to function. The first production is underway. Documents are ready to provide financial support to this investment project. This is very good,” he said.
Dmitry Volvach has also noted that support will also be provided to the food industry project, thereby it will serve as a good example for attracting future investors.
He noted the fact that, despite the difficulties in delivering equipment and the delay in construction of the bridge in Tskhinval, “the equipment is already in place and is already working.”
Reconstruction of the checkpoint "Lower Zaramag"
Dmitry Volvach has also emphasized that special attention was paid to the issue of reconstruction of the Nizhny Zaramag checkpoint on the border of South Ossetia with Russia, which will increase the throughput of the checkpoint.
"This is a very complex facility in terms of location, but it is a priority for our Ministry of Transport. I think that in the foreseeable future, the Russian side will do everything possible for this. Thus, the passage procedure will be easier and faster," he said.
Dmitry Volvach noted with satisfaction the progress on the issue of harmonization of customs administration, the first step of which was the transition to the customs tariff rates of the Eurasian Economic Union.
“At the moment, the process of purchasing technical means to equip customs authorities according to Russian standards is underway, which will simplify customs clearance and also bring additional funds to the Republic,” he said.
In a conversation with the President, Dmitry Volvach also noted the high pace at which South Ossetian colleagues are resolving issues, which has a positive effect on the Russian-South Ossetian interaction.
The key to success is private investment
According to him, the key to success in economic growth is private investment.
“It is very gratifying that South Ossetia has begun to sound louder as a brand and investors are hearing about it. This should lead to an influx of new private capital,” said Dmitry Volvach.
He stressed the importance of “restarting the investment cycle.”
“I really hope that the infrastructure facilities that have been built and are ready for operation will finally start working, and that the apple orchards that we inspected in the summer will bloom,” said Dmitry Volvach.
It’s comfortable to work with the South Ossetian team
He expressed gratitude to the head of the South Ossetian state for his understanding and all possible assistance to the common cause.
“We feel comfortable working with your team. These are literate, competent and decent people who are ready to leave a part of themselves in public service for the benefit of the people of South Ossetia. As for the Russian Treasury Inspection Act, this issue is no longer urgent. It’s gratifying that our South Ossetian colleagues are cooperating n every possible way for a common cause,” said Dmitry Volvach.
Alan Gagloev, addressing his welcoming words to the guest, has noted that residents of South Ossetia no longer treat him as a guest, but as a citizen of the Republic.
“It is especially pleasant to note your approach to solving the problems that we face. You are making a significant contribution to increasing the well-being of the population of the Republic of South Ossetia, as well as promoting those projects that were previously identified,” the President said.
He has emphasized that the relevant departments are working to revive those abandoned projects that once seemed very promising.
“There are, of course, achievements, but at the same time, there are also problems that we are solving together. Today we are faced with a shortage of fuels and lubricants in Russia and, accordingly, their increase in price. This has a negative impact not only on the implementation of the Investment Program, but also on citizens,” the President noted.
In turn, Dmitry Volvach noted that he is aware of the problem and will be looking for the ways to solve it with his colleagues.
At the end of the meeting, Alan Gagloev presented Dmitry Volvach with the Order of Friendship for his great personal contribution to the development and strengthening of friendly relations between Russia and South Ossetia.
