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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: We have discussed the situation and noted the positive trends. As far as construction works are concerned, there is an overall 7.9 percent growth in the country. But in Tuva, it is higher, over 50, I believe, 53 percent.

Head of the Republic of Tuva Vladislav Khovalyg: Yes.

Vladimir Putin: But as we have just mentioned at the meeting, this rate needs to be preserved because one of the problems is the lack of housing, especially for the republic with its natural population growth and a very high birth rate compared to Russia in general. As I have already said, we need to follow in the footsteps of the Tuvinians. And Chechens, by the way. Chechnya is the leader in terms of birth rate.

Therefore, all arising issues in this area must be resolved and this is what we have discussed as we drove in the car with you: these are kindergartens, more capacity in kindergartens, and schools. We definitely need to resolve these issues.

And, of course, a “long-running” issue is dilapidated housing, this issue needs to be resolved in the country, in general, and in Tuva, among other things, since the level of substandard housing is still quite high.

There is quite a number of other issues. You are aware of this. Let’s discuss all this. Go ahead, please.

Vladislav Khovalyg: Mr President,

Yes, construction indeed has become the driver of the economy in Tuva. This was, to a large extent, facilitated by your decision to support introduction of a two-percent preferential mortgage in Tuva. This was a start that generated demand. Prior to this, banks approved around 25 percent of mortgage loans – the figure doubled following the introduction of this type of mortgage. Since the average income among the population remains quite low, not everyone can afford a mortgage. After this, the situation has improved dramatically.

Seven microdistricts are already under construction. We really do want all of them to be completed as was initially planned. And referring to this, Mr President, I asked at the meeting to extend this preferential mortgage programme up to 2030. Two thousand transactions per year, a total of 12,000 transactions to 2030.

Vladimir Putin: The rate will be preserved.

Vladislav Khovalyg: Yes, the rate will definitely be preserved.

And the level of housing provision is the lowest in the country here – only 15.3 square metres per capita. Reaching the standard would require a large number of housing to be built, actually the same amount as the republic currently has. And this is more than five million square metres.

Vladimir Putin: It needs to be doubled.

Vladislav Khovalyg: We need to double until 2030. Then it will be up to standard.

Vladimir Putin: And agriculture, of course, and industry in general. You have made good overall progress. Investment activity is on the rise. This might create, it should create a very good foundation for the future development both in the economy and agriculture. All necessary efforts must be made for the implementation of these planned investments.

Vladislav Khovalyg: Yes, 46 percent of our population live in rural areas. We would like to develop agriculture. To this end, we have stipulated a large number of [measures] under an individual programme for the next period to develop the republic’s agro-industrial complex.

The area of lands under irrigation was around 45,000 hectares during the Soviet period. We would like to restore these irrigation systems within five to seven years, since only five to ten percent are used at best. We live in the area of risky farming, and with irrigated lands we will be able to get two harvests a year which will guarantee a forage reserve for our livestock.

Vladimir Putin: You have prepared the documents, haven’t you? Let’s start.

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