Rustam Minnikhanov: Modernization of monotowns is a topical problem for the Republic of Tatarstan

On March 23, at a session of the working group on modernization of monotowns under Government commission on economic development and integration held by Deputy Chairman of State corporation "Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Activities" Irina Makieva, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that modernization of monotowns is a topical problem for the republic.

Rustam Minnikhanov noted that decrease in industrial production in monotowns lead to rise in unemployment which means that state measures to support monotowns are required.

Minnikhanov reminded that Tatarstan gained such experience during economic crisis in 2008-2009.

Irina Makieva noted that there are 300 towns in Russia that were divided into three categories according to the “traffic lights” principle. The “red” category is related to problematic towns, the “green” category - to towns where modernization is successfully realized, the “yellow” one – to other towns.

75 Russian towns including Zelenodolsk and Kamskie Polyany are in the “red” category.

Makieva told that members of the working group visited Zelenodolsk to inspect efficiency of such projects as technopolis “Novaya Tura”. She noted that Rustam Minnikhanov actively supports development of Kamskie Polyany.

According to Makieva , Russian Government will allocate 30 billion roubles for supporting monotowns in 2015-2017 and Zelenodolsk will also receive federal support.