OREANDA-NEWS. January 17, 2011. Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin has held a working meeting with the Head of Karelia Andrei Nelidov. As the press office of the Prime Minister of Russia informs, during the meeting Vladimir Putin has pointed out positive trends in development of the republic, in particular, essential growth of investment, as well as a surplus budget. In turn, Andrei Nelidov has called business enterprise tax collection improvement in the region his main task.

Commenting on results of the meeting, Andrei Nelidov has pointed out: "I've reported to Mr Putin about results of the work of Karelia in six months. He has given a high estimate of actions we had taken and has signed several documents of great importance which implementation may influence the development of Karelia's economy essntially. Attention of the Prime Minister to Karelia is very pleasant and important for us. Of 84 constituent entities he has begun the year with our republic. It was mentioned in the conversation that Karelia is an important region, Karelia has to develop, Karelia is a true pearl of the Northwest, and the Government of the Russian Federation will render assistance to make us if not the best then a prosperous republic."

At the meeting with Vladimir Putin Andrei Nelidov has also told about the plans to expand housing construction in the region. There are tentative agreements with a number of building companies, including some from St.Petersburg, concerning construction of housing in Karelia at the price of about 31,000 roubles per square meter with minor decoration, that is essentially below current market value of new housing. At the same time, an opportunity is being worked over to establish cooperation with the Savings Bank of the Russian Federation concerning such housing purchase loan arrangements on the 10-10-10 scheme, i.e. loans for the period of ten years, at the rate of ten per cent per annum and at the initial contribution of ten per cent of the coat of the house. The possibility to reimburse one half of the rate of interest at the expense of the state is considered. According to Andrei Nelidov, this idea is supported by Ilya Klebanov, Presidential Envoy to Northwestern Federal District of Russia. As Vladimir Putin has mentioned, "rehabilitation of housing construction in Karelia is a true, important, noble and very essential aim for you in this year 2011."