At the 23rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of South Ossetia, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noted the significant achievements of South Ossetia over 16 years of independence, including the modernization of infrastructure, improvement of public administration, strengthening of the financial and social sectors, as well as increasing defense capability.⠀
"The well-being of citizens depends on these successes. I would like to note the positive dynamics of the State Program for Social -Economic Development, implemented with financial support of the Russian Federation: GDP growth at the end of last year was 32%, trade turnover with Russia - 14.5%, and own budget revenues - 28.6%. Thanks to Russian support, it was possible to maintain public sector salaries at the level of the North Caucasus Federal District,” Novak said.⠀
Novak has called the completion of the integration of customs authorities a particularly significant event, which has already brought tangible results.⠀
As a priority task for the future, Novak proposed discussing the draft State Program until 2030, including its parameters, activities, indicators and financial support.⠀
He called for setting more ambitious goals and identifying effective measures to stimulate investment, support SMEs and eliminate infrastructure constraints.
In conclusion, he assured of continued comprehensive support from Russia within the framework of allied commitments, expressing hope for the effective implementation of the investment programs, State Program activities, integration processes in the customs and tax spheres, as well as the increased control over the spending of Russian financial aid by the South Ossetian partners.⠀
"I consider the completion of the plan for the integration of the customs authorities of South Ossetia with the customs authorities of the Russian Federation to be a significant event for the economy of the Republic, which has already yielded tangible results for the budget of the Republic," Novak said.⠀
It has also be noted that one of the key areas remains increasing the investment attractiveness of South Ossetia. This is seen as a guarantee of expanding trade, economic, scientific and technical cooperation with the regions of the Russian Federation. This will be achieved, among other things, by continuing to implement joint projects that will diversify the industrial and agricultural sectors of the Republic's economy, as well as the service sector, Novak has clarified.⠀
"I am convinced that further coordinated work will consolidate the results achieved and give the impetus to new initiatives and agreements," Novak has concluded.⠀
The 23rd meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Russia and South Ossetia took place in Mineralnye Vody on Monday.
The Russian delegation is headed by Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak, and the South Ossetian delegation is headed by President of the Republic Alan Gagloev.
