The President reported that the growth of the gross regional product amounted to 8 percent. The head of the state pointed out: "This figure is higher than the average national indicator. In addition to that population income is growing, its growth rate is also higher than the average rate in the country." He specifically mentioned the fact that the positive development took place despite absence of oil, gas and metals in Chuvashia. Putin opined that it was achieved "due to proper work organization, its intellectual component" and added that "it was a good example for other regions to follow." The President described issues discussed on Thursday at meetings in Chuvashia as very important for the Volga region and Russia in general. Among the issues was social policy in rural areas, inter-ethnic and inter-confessional relations.
The President stated that "the meetings were interesting and would serve as a good pretext to introduce amendments into the federal policy." Vladimir Putin also indicated that the Volga region was giving a good example of how to build inter-ethnic and inter-national relations.
