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Stanislav Voskresensky provided an update on the region’s evolving economy, the emergence of new technological competencies, and the development of smaller towns.

The Governor emphasised that the textile industry remains the region’s core sector and is progressing steadily with the integration of advanced technologies.

Russia’s first full-cycle membrane fabric production facility has been launched in the region, covering the entire process from innovative membrane materials to finished fabrics, garments, and workwear, including supplies for the Armed Forces. Additionally, the country’s first spinning facility utilising recycled materials is now operational, producing workwear as the final product. This initiative also contributes positively to the environment by reducing textile waste in landfills.

The Governor also reported on the construction of a major road machinery plant in Ivanovo. In response to the exit of Western manufacturers, the facility is being developed by Professional, a company that has established itself in the global market for buckets, and some types of quarry buckets rank among the top five producers worldwide. The region is also advancing high-tech manufacturing in collaboration with the Rosatom State Corporation. To support this, specialised training programmes at Ivanovo Power Engineering University are being expanded to meet the needs of the nuclear industry. Additionally, the Governor noted that the region is preparing to serve as a hub for training international specialists, positioning higher education as a distinct sector of the local economy. In agriculture, a key development is the reconstruction of a large, long-standing dairy processing plant, marking a significant step forward in the region’s agricultural processing capabilities.

The discussion also addressed the influx of new investments, the modernisation of existing industrial facilities, and the role of small businesses, which account for over one-third of the region’s economy. Key topics also included the creation of a supportive business climate, demographic development, efforts to ensure a family-friendly environment, children’s healthcare, tackling staff shortages in rural medical and obstetric stations, and the implementation of a kindergarten renovation programme.

Stanislav Voskresensky noted that in the Ivanovo Region, half of the urban families and regional residents live in small towns, which often serve as vital centres for surrounding rural communities. He outlined the measures being taken to support their development. Notably, the region has achieved high standards in road quality between these towns, which are also well connected by comfortable rail services. Social infrastructure is being renovated, and the Bright Town project is underway. As part of this initiative, by the end of 2025, more than 90 percent of streets in small towns will be equipped with street lighting.

The Governor also noted that residents of small towns tend to differ in their values and behaviour compared to those in larger cities, showing a stronger attachment to traditional foundations. Therefore, he believes the goal should not only be to preserve small towns, but to turn them into drivers of economic growth and investment – particularly in light of the national agenda to modernise the country’s industrial framework. In this context, small towns could serve as growth hubs for core industrial competencies. As an example, he mentioned the towns of Rodniki and Furmanov, which are national centres of expertise in knitted fabric production. In Shuya, alongside textile industry, one of the country’s largest facilities for the production of computer equipment, servers and various IT solutions is operating.

To support small towns in competing with larger urban centres, the Governor asked the President to instruct the Government to develop a comprehensive package of measures aimed at infrastructure development and attracting investment to small towns. He emphasised that the issue at hand is not merely preservation, but enabling small towns to become growth points.

Stanislav Voskresensky also thanked the President for his executive order on celebrating the 800^th anniversary of Yuryevets in the summer of 2025. He described it as a proud small town which was one of the gathering points for Prince Pozharsky’s militia in 1612 during the expulsion of Polish-Lithuanian forces from Moscow. The town is also the birthplace of many prominent figures known both in Russia and abroad. The Governor expressed hope that the anniversary celebrations would help spur the town’s further development.

Referring to the President’s executive order encouraging foreign nationals who share Russia’s traditional conservative values and wish to relocate, Stanislav Voskresensky extended an invitation to such individuals to settle in small towns, where, he believes, they may find life more comfortable than in large cities. The President thanked the Governor for raising this point.