President RB: We should focus on sustainable economic growth in 2014

According to preliminary data, in 2013 the index of industrial production in Bashkortostan was 102.3 percent, while it was 100.3 percent across the Russian Federation. According to this index Bashkortostan took the fourth place in the Volga Federal District, behind Nizhny Novgorod, Penza Region and Perm Territory.

Such data were announced today by the President RB Rustem Khamitov at the meeting of the Government of Bashkortostan Republic.

“However, in 2012 the figures were much higher - about 105.5 percent. Freight volumes decreased by almost 5.5 percent due to the fall in production and demand,” the head of the republic said. “In January-November 2013 we have higher unemployment rate than across Russia, - 5.8 percent. In the Russian Federation the figure was 5.5 percent.”

However, as it was marked at the meeting of the Government RB, there are still more positive results in the republic. In difficult weather conditions of 2013, agricultural producers made production for nearly 125 billion rubles, exceeding the figure of 2012 by about 17 percent.

Another positive result of the last year was the fact that the republic had won the first place in the Volga Federal District on housing construction. In 2013 2.5 million square metres of housing were built in the region, which was by seven percent more than in 2012.

Among other achievements, the President of Bashkortostan named increase in retail turnover in 2013. Growth for the year constituted eight percent in this area.

The services market has also been steadily developing in the region. Not less important is the fact that from year to year inflation reduces in Bashkortostan.

“Last year we were glad that in 2012 was the lowest price growth since 1991. It was 6.2 percent then. In 2013 it was even better - inflation was 6 percent. Of course, these are good figures”, the President of Bashkortostan expressed his confidence.

According to the head of the republic in 2014 we should focus on sustainable economic growth, which will solve many social problems.

“We should stake on growth points, system development of areas and integration of production capacity at the local level. We need to continue and intensify work with investors on developing public-private partnership, creating high performance workplaces. We should competently and reasonably use state and municipal funds,” the President of Bashkortostan underlined.