Today's geopolitical situation gives the North Caucasus an opportunity to become the one of the model regions of the Russian Federation, and it should use this chance, announced a member of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, Adalbi Shkhagoshev, said during a press conference on "The North Caucasus: development of the region during the period of sanctions against Russia". He reminded that in the last two decades the North Caucasus was remembered often when speaking of terrorism, threats to security and unattractive investment opportunities, but at the moment the North Caucasus Federal District is able to change the situation.
According to Shkhagoshev, the main question in this case is whether business and the government can unite to carry out their own economic projects.
"If we talk about enterprises, in Karachay-Cherkessia one large agricultural holding produces 10% of all greenhouse goods in Russia. So the potential of the North Caucasus is not just words, and for the first time we have the opportunity to implement it. In particular, tourism is actively developing: this year there were no vacancies in the Elbrus region, nor in Arkhyz. If you look at small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism sector, we see how actively it is developing," the deputy said, adding that for living standards to grow, it is necessary to extract higher profits from sold goods.
Adalbi Shhagoshev admitted that they can't develop livestock farming in the region at the same rate as plant cultivation. "It is clear that we need a longer cycle to rear bulls - but we are moving forward. In terms of percentage, we have growth, but we are not self-sufficient in meat," he said.
Also, the member of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs drew attention to the importance of ensuring security in the region for its successful economic development. "After each explosion in the North Caucasus, the republics had to create a positive image again. Fortunately, now the terrorist threat is several times lower. The branding and information component is very important for the development of the North Caucasus," Shkhagoshev said.
"Efficiency and a competent approach is very important now. The heads of the North Caucasian republics should provide maximum conditions for the development of agriculture and beyond. Everyone need specialists, and I would have created a school for training in the North Caucasus direction. The authorities and business should unite to establish a process for the preparation of specialists," Adalbi Shkhagoshev concluded.