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During a working visit to the  Background information Northwestern Federal District (NWFD) Northwestern Federal District, Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin spoke at a meeting of the Coordination Council for the development of transport system of St Petersburg and Leningrad Region.

In his speech, Sergei Naryshkin emphasised that Russia’s ability to increase its turnover with the EU and other partners depends greatly on the state of the transport system. In addition, modern roads, railroads, airports, seaports, and river harbours increase the investment appeal of the entire Northwestern region, strengthening its tourism potential.

Sergei Naryshkin noted that steps can be taken to increase tax revenues coming into the budget and provide more opportunities to resolve social challenges. These include implementing infrastructure projects such as building St Petersburg-Moscow and St Petersburg-Helsinki high-speed railway lines, reconstructing Pulkovo Airport, building a ring highway, commissioning the first paid section of the Western High-Speed Diameter, and creating a joint ferry passenger complex for cruise ships and ferries at Vasilievsky Island. Mr Naryshkin emphasised that “infrastructure projects mean creating new jobs, including through the development of related production and services.”

Many unresolved transport problems were also given attention, particularly the growing traffic and related jams on the city’s streets. In this regard, Sergei Naryshkin specified several goals for resolving this problem: “It is imperative to improve the quality and work of public transport. We must build additional junctions and expand highways, ensure coordination and synchronisation in the development of the city and its transport and logistics system, optimise our warehousing and manufacturing capabilities, and create favourable conditions for attracting private investors to the sector.”

During the working visit, Sergei Naryshkin also participated in a session of the United Russia deputies’ forum.