OREANDA-NEWS. September 25, 2008. As he opened the meeting Dmitry Medvedev talked about the need for finding a swift solution to economic and social problems in Kamchatka, and improving health care and housing conditions to halt the depopulation of the region.

The head of state noted that in order to address these problems one must take into account the unique natural settings of the region.

For example, problems associated with energy can be overcome by using more local fuels and renewable energy sources. The implementation of existing projects concerning hydroelectric and geothermal resources would significantly reduce the price of electricity and give an additional impetus to the region’s economy, including to promising investment projects in the mining and manufacturing industries.

According to the head of state, another key issue for the development of the region is the modernisation of the transport system in the Russian Far East. To a large extent, both the development of the territory as well as the level of cooperation between the Kamchatka Krai and Asia-Pacific region depends on this.

Another major problem is illegal fishing. Annual losses amount to nearly half a billion dollars. The current situation requires a very clear and, in some cases, a very harsh reaction by the authorities.

Dmitry Medvedev stressed the need for developing infrastructure for tourism and sport in Kamchatka. Due its unique natural and climatic characteristics the region could become an international centre for ecotourism and a centre for winter sports in Russia.

The meeting in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was the culmination of a three-day visit to the Russian Far East.