Arthur Mikvabiya: We must support our elderly people on our own, it is a matter of honor!

Sukhum. April 29. Apsnypress. "The fact that the budget revenues will be reduced, should be regarded as a positive thing - said Arthur Mikvabiya reporting on the current economic situation in the country. - The fact that many planned technical measures financed by the Russian assistance in the framework of the investment program, upon closer inspection turned out that they wouldn't be mastered in the remaining period. In this regard, their execution is transferred to the next year. Exactly for this amount will be increased the future budget. All other articles including social issues are executed in accordance with the law. The relevant contracts have been signed, and the performers begin the task". According to him, mostly reallocations will affect the reconstruction of the road network, apartment buildings, energy and utilities. 

The Premier noted that the first Russian banking community is ready to provide soft loans for the implementation of economic projects - under 10% per annum, with interest payments after putting into operation. Thus, already selected and launched the mechanism of implementation of projects in the field of agriculture (greenhouses with thermal water), industry (concrete blocks production), catering (cafe chain "La Dolce Vita"). 

In addition, there is also a program of funding projects at the expense of own funds of the republic. For this purpose, provided to spend 200 million rubles for 3 years. "But there is one feature that is not resolved yet, - explained Arthur Mikvabia. - The interest rate of the Abkhaz banks is high enough, about 18% per annum. We plan to negotiate with Russia on co-financing from the funds of the investment program to reduce the rate to at least 12%". Generally, the RA government's plans - further expansion of cooperation with Russia in the field of bank lending, which will give an additional impetus to the economic development of Abkhazia. These funds are, in his opinion, along with the means of investors must go on the implementation of major infrastructure projects such as the construction of transportation hubs. 

"Strategy of the Republic of Abkhazia - for 5-6 years to establish in the country a class of owners - the shareholders of national companies. Thus, several problems are solved at once: to raise the living standards of the people, expand the so-called middle class in the society, in addition, we ourselves must learn how to make money", - said Arthur Mikvabiya. He explained that these principles could form the basis of corporate devices such objects as the Inguri hydroelectric power station, Sukhum airport and so on. 

However, in response to a question of the reporter of  "Apsnypress" about whether the country today exist for its own money as suggested by the Parliament or such words are just a "figure of speech" now, the prime minister said: "To date, it's impossible to live without russian aid . First we need to create a modern market-based instruments of development. We are talking about going to the treasury system of financing, tax reform, the organization of state statistics, etc. For example, the current statistical system does not give a picture of the republic, with its help it is impossible to establish flow accounting of funds".

The Premier stressed that as a person and a citizen, he is forced to admit the pain: "The country supports its elders by the Russian aid and it is not an option. We must do it ourselves. And such a position is a matter of honor!" 

Following the visit of the Prime Minister to Moscow, he informed about a number of meetings with representatives of government agencies, regional authorities of Crimea as well as the prospective arrangements. In particular, with the company "Rosneft" on the construction of modern storage facilities in Sukhum, 5-star hotel in Pitsunda, the company's participation in infrastructure projects as well as on the content of scholarships by "Rosneft" for the abkhaz students in Moscow.