Meeting on current issues with deputy prime ministers

Agenda: writing off a portion of regions' budget loan debt; expanding support mechanisms for priority areas of small-scale agribusiness; and financing the construction and modernisation of wastewater treatment facilities in the regions.

Mikhail Mishustin's opening remarks:

Good morning, colleagues.

First, I would like to address a decision taken to support the constituent entities of the Russian Federation under the presidential initiative to write off two-thirds of their budget loan debt. The aim is to ensure they have sufficient funds for economic growth and social progress, for the maintenance and upgrading of utility and transport infrastructure, including roads, and for the repair and renovation of apartment buildings.

This mechanism has proved effective in practice. Its application is steadily expanding, reaching a volume of approximately 300 billion roubles since the beginning of this year alone.

Today, we are reducing the debt of seven more regions - the Republic of Buryatia, the Trans-Baikal Territory, the Kirov, Novgorod, Penza and Pskov regions, and the Chukotka Autonomous Area - by nearly 12.5 billion roubles. This will enable them, among other things, to carry out projects set out in the master plans for cities in the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic Zone, such as the construction of a school and a world-class inter-university campus. Furthermore, a portion of these funds will be directed towards supporting participants in the special military operation and their families.

The programme to write off two-thirds of budget loan debt will continue.

The next topic concerns support for rural entrepreneurs. The President has emphasised the need to find new, effective tools to support small and medium-sized businesses.

Adjustments have been prepared to the state programme for agricultural development. These refine the procedures for granting subsidies in two areas - the expansion of rural tourism and support for priority sectors within small-scale agribusiness. The federal budget for the coming year allocates over 6.5 billion roubles for these purposes. This includes continued grant funding for projects - launched this year - aimed at the accelerated development of dairy farms, which will help entrepreneurs reduce financial risks and maintain the pace of industry modernisation.

Regions will have the autonomy to determine which entities receive additional support from their own budgets. This could include individual farmers, agricultural consumer cooperatives, or projects such as small rural bakeries. It also extends to grants for special military operation veterans who wish to pursue agribusiness. In all these cases, the funding provided by the region can be used to partially repay loans.

To ensure that funds are spent more effectively and for their intended purpose, we have also refined the method for calculating subsidies for recipients of Agrotourism grants. We have established clear procedures for allocating resources among projects that have successfully passed the competitive selection process.

Furthermore, we are reducing the administrative burden on small agribusinesses. When applying for a subsidy to purchase equipment costing less than 3 million roubles, it is no longer necessary to provide confirmation that the machinery is included in the industrial product registry.

This approach to refining state support mechanisms is intended to assist small enterprises within the agro-industrial sector. These businesses make a significant contribution to the nation's food security and create jobs in rural areas.

I would also like to mention another decision - the one concerning water resources. The President has emphasised the need to prioritise the protection of these resources, ensuring a harmonious and rational balance between socio-economic development and the vital objectives of environmental stewardship and nature conservation.

The Government is consistently addressing this challenge, including through efforts to improve the condition of water bodies. A dedicated federal project is being implemented that encompasses not only the clearing of riverbeds but crucially, the construction of specialised hydraulic facilities and the modernisation of municipal infrastructure. This year, we have allocated approximately 12 billion roubles in the federal budget for these purposes.

Today, we are providing an additional 700 million roubles to the Kurgan Region and Perm Territory to accelerate the construction of wastewater treatment facilities, equip them with modern technology, build new pumping stations and renovate sewage networks. This will increase the capacity of utility systems and improve living conditions for residents.

The implementation of infrastructure projects that enhance the ecological health of water bodies is vital to the living conditions of millions of our citizens across the country and to the effective development of these regions.