Potential port terminals in Crimea, Krasnodar should complement each other - Putin
NOVOROSSIYSK. Sept 23 (Interfax) - Plans to develop ports in the Azov-Kerch Basin need to be corrected to take into account that Crimea is part of Russia as well as the location of Defense Ministry and United Shipbuilding Corporation facilities in the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
"Existing and potential port terminals in Crimea and Krasnodar territory should complement each other. The benefits and strong points of each port and logistics center must be taken maximum advantage of. We need to look at what capacity needs to be developed in Crimea and in Krasnodar territory," Putin said at a meeting in Novorossiysk on the development of ports in the Azov-Kerch basin.
The president said it was important to take a detailed look at the modernization and development plans that Crimean ports have in order to use them and include them in the Russian transport system.
"Transport infrastructure development projects should be based on realistic forecasts for port utilization and take into account the investment programs of private companies. As well as our plans for placing Defense Ministry and United Shipbuilding Corporation facilities in the region," the president said.
Putin said private investment in port infrastructure was rather significant and he spoke about the need for government structures to take this into account.
"Of course, we always focus our priority on the Defense Ministry, but we believe that the same time we must remember that economic development lies at the basis. I ask that you also bear that in mind," he said.
The same applies to the United Shipbuilding Corporation, we "need to understand what capacity is needed, how they will be utilized and by who."
"All issues need to be promptly resolved rather than to drag on with endless agreement procedures. I ask that the authorized presidential representatives to handle this matter," the president said.
Close attention must be paid to the environmental aspects so that new construction does not damage the resort potential Crimea has, he said.
Development of ports in southern Russia is currently restricted by Krasnodar rail capabilities, he said, before asking for a report on the allocation of funds to resolve this problem.
