Eurasia Regional Section of the World organization "United Cities and Local Governments"
Eurasia Regional Section of the World organization "United Cities and Local Governments"
UCLG Eurasian Section Secretary General, Rasikh Sagitov, took part in the VI International Forum of the Great Silk Road that took place in Grozny during the city’s anniversary celebrations on 5 October 2011.
For the first time this event was hosted by the Russian city (previously the event took place in Uzbekistan, China, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Iran). The capital of Chechnya gathered over 100 heads of the cities, political and public figures from different countries.
During the opening ceremony Ramzan Kadyrov emphasized great importance of megapolices’ development; he remarked that such meetings are conducive to nations’ affinity, strengthening of mutual understanding and collaboration. ‘And since today the republic is on its steady way for economic development, it’s very important to us to discuss these issues of preservation of cultural values, investment attractiveness, tourism development and education” - said the head of Chechnya.
On the first day of the forum 12 mayors made speeches about the development of their megapolices, elaborated on their history, architecture, sights, traditions, and development perspectives of the Great Silk Road cities. The delegates discussed the questions of the fruitful and effective collaboration, remarking that they consider Grozny as an important strategic partner – the capital of Chechnya has become a beneficial investment platform.
According to the Mayor of Grozny Muslim Khuchiev, by 2014 the volume of the foreign investment will reach 60 dollars per capita, while most of those investments will be insured by republican and municipal budget. In 2012-2014 Grozny Municipality is planning to draw 42 million dollars in foreign investment.
“We have set ambitious goals, having defined the priorities”, remarked Huchiev, “In short they are these: “Investments. Innovations. Export”, I am sure Grozny will take a proper place among other world cities, providing its citizens with high social standards”.
The Chechen Republic presented the exhibition of the investment projects in tourist industry development and suggestions of further cooperation.
Within the framework of the 4-day forum debates and discussions took place. The delegates suggested the conceptions of further development of the Great Silk Road cities.
On the City Day the guests visited the opening of Grozny-City complex.
At the final session “The Declaration of Grozny” was signed, and the mayors of the cities exchanged the Memorandums of mutual understanding.
28.10.2011
