On October 9, Alexey Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East, attended a meeting of the State Duma Committee for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic. The main agenda was the consideration of the draft law "On the Federal Budget for 2026 and the Planning Period of 2027 and 2028." Present at the meeting were State Duma Deputy Speaker Irina Yarovaya, Committee Chairman Nikolay Kharitonov, Auditor of the Accounts Chamber Natalya Trunova, Deputy Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic Elvira Nurgalieva, Director of the Department of Interbudgetary Relations of the Russian Ministry of Finance Larisa Eroshkina, and representatives of the regions, as well as other ministries and agencies.
Alexey Chekunkov outlined the key priorities considered when formulating budget expenditure items for the period 2026-2028 in terms of implementing state programs for the socio-economic development of the Far East and the Arctic.
"Our main task today is to maintain the momentum we've gained, while ensuring a balance between economic and social development in the Far East and the Arctic. Despite the pandemic and sanctions, for a decade the Far East has outpaced Russia as a whole in investment growth by 2.5 times. Cumulatively, nearly 6 trillion rubles have been invested in the region, with 34 rubles of private investment attracted for every ruble from the budget. More than 183,000 jobs have been created. And now we can say that the investment has paid off. Net budget profit amounted to 172 billion rubles. Wages at new enterprises are 50% higher than the national average," said Alexey Chekunkov.