MOSCOW, February 20. /ITAR-TASS/. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered Vice-Premier and Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev to prepare a list of state-co-owned companies whose main offices may be based in the Far East.
It is among instructions given after the meeting held by Medvedev on February 5 to discuss creation of territories of advanced social and economic development in the Far East, the government press service said.
Federal authorities and state-run companies are instructed to assist the Ministry of Development of the Russian Far East to organize work to form a network of territories of advanced social and economic development in the Far East.
Trutnev told reporters after the meeting on February 5 that the prime minister had given instructions to transfer some major companies with state participation to the Far East. The vice-premier gave no details, saying proposals should be prepared and considered by the government. "After that we will report to you," Trutnev added. According to him, central offices, personnel and taxable bases may be transferred.
Later, on February 11, Vice-Premier Arkady Dvorkovich told a press conference that it was early to talk about transfer of central offices of some companies from Moscow to the Far East. There was no idea from above. It was just under discussion, including in companies, since such steps would be taken by companies themselves, he explained.
"But I think, as in the case of other cities where it has happened, for example St. Petersburg, it is good and allow such regional centers to turn into cities that may be even called capitals. It is important for the region's development," Dvorkovich believes.