OREANDA-NEWS Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Khabarovsk. At a meeting with business representatives at Pacific State University, he discussed the development of the Far East, in particular, logistics problems, modernization of border posts and tourism.

Speaking with entrepreneurs, the president admitted that Russia's GDP growth will be more than 4% by the end of the year. According to him, although Russia "crushed and strangled on all sides," she overtook Germany in purchasing power and become the first economy in Europe and the fifth in the world. "In terms of purchasing power parity, we have overtaken the whole of Europe, but per capita, we still have to try. Therefore, there is something to work on",— the head of state noted.

The President noted that the development of the Far East has become noticeable. "I remember the beginning of these programs and I remember how sour the mood was, because we said, we said: now we will do this, we will do this, we will develop shipbuilding there, we will do this, this, but everything has such inertia, it was so hard to take the first steps, and people were waiting, but it seems just like nothing happens. But still, the movement has already become noticeable in the Far East, and this is very encouraging," Vladimir Putin said.

The head of State said that the Central Bank's key rate is temporary, "as inflation is suppressed, it will change." According to him, an increase in funding or subsidizing the residents of the TOP and SPR will "negate" the activities of the Central Bank aimed at controlling inflation in the country.

At the meeting, Vladimir Putin promised to discuss with the governor of the Khabarovsk Territory logistics issues for the export of Russian goods to China and the improvement of border crossings in the Far East. The issues of tourism development in the region were also discussed.