Launching a new stage of Far East development – this was the task outlined by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address at the plenary session of the 10th Eastern Economic Forum. Logistics must become one of the key components of this work.
"Russia's Far East and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole are territories of dynamic change and rapid development, and we must maintain high rates of positive transformation, strengthen our domestic economy's infrastructure, and make more effective use of the resource, production, logistics, and scientific potential that our Far Eastern regions and the country as a whole possess," the head of state declared.
RIVERS AND BRIDGES
In recent years, the load on the Far East's transport system has noticeably increased. This requires upgrading automotive and railway networks, expanding maritime terminals, and creating modern transport hubs with automated warehouses and digital cargo processing, Vladimir Putin noted.
He outlined the main directions of the upcoming work. Modernization of the Eastern Polygon will continue. By 2032, its throughput capacity should increase by one and a half times compared to early 2025.
Railway approaches to Far Eastern ports need to be expanded. Over the past 10 years, port capacities in the region have virtually doubled, reaching 380 million tons per year. Under the current federal project, growth of another 115 million tons per year is targeted by 2030.
Transport bridges between Russia and China have already been built: Nizhneleninskoye-Tongjiang and Blagoveshchensk-Heihe. Construction of new ones is planned, including across the Tuman River on the border with North Korea.
"We need to actively develop transport and logistics centers around these bridges to make full use of their capabilities and throughput capacity," Vladimir Putin urged.
The task has been set to modernize border crossings and upgrade airports.
FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO VLADIVOSTOK
The President called the development of the Trans-Arctic transport corridor from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok a particularly significant task – both for the Far East and for the entire country. The head of state noted growing interest in this route from both Russian companies operating in the Arctic and foreign carriers. This is not about individual transits, but about forming a stable cargo base, Vladimir Putin emphasized.
However, the Trans-Arctic corridor will not be limited to maritime routes alone. This will be a comprehensive system that will unite all modes of transport and harness the potential of major rivers – the Ob, Yenisei, and Lena – strengthening regional cooperation and opening new opportunities for business.
To increase the corridor's efficiency and sustainability, it will be necessary to provide direct access for cargo from Siberia and the Urals to Arctic sea routes. Vladimir Putin instructed the government and the Maritime Board of the Russian Federation to assess the feasibility of these ideas and submit their proposals.
A NEW REGIME FOR A NEW STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT
The head of state gave special attention to such a mechanism as advanced development territories. This mechanism has proven its effectiveness. Now, building on the accumulated successful experience, the time has come to take a new, fundamental step – to launch a unified preferential regime for business across the entire Far East and Arctic region starting January 1, 2027, Vladimir Putin announced.
"The goal is to simplify access to support mechanisms for entrepreneurs and companies pursuing new projects. In other words, wherever an investor chooses to operate – in any Far Eastern or Arctic region, city, or settlement – they will consistently have access to incentives," the President explained.
The specific parameters and duration of the preferences offered under this unified regime will be determined by the government in cooperation with regional authorities.
Dmitry Koptev
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