Moscow, Russia – – Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin today to review the capital’s socioeconomic performance and development plans, with a particular focus on sustained economic growth and the expansion of high-technology industries.
The meeting, held at the Kremlin, centered on Moscow’s progress in implementing national goals and federal programs, as well as the city’s economic trajectory and future initiatives. Sobyanin reported to Putin on the city’s performance throughout , characterizing the year as “challenging” but ultimately successful in maintaining positive momentum across key sectors.
According to Sobyanin, Moscow’s gross regional product is projected to grow by more than two percent in . He further stated that, compared to – a benchmark year – the regional product has increased by 28 percent, a figure Putin described as an “excellent trend.”
“The trend is indeed excellent: consistent growth year after year,” Putin said, according to a transcript released by the Kremlin. Sobyanin acknowledged temporary setbacks, such as the impact of the pandemic, but emphasized the overall positive trajectory.
A key driver of this growth, Sobyanin explained, is sustained investment in infrastructure. Over the past six years, fixed capital investment has risen by 63 percent, building on significant increases made prior to that period. These investments span infrastructure projects, construction, industrial development, and other sectors.
Sobyanin highlighted Moscow’s commitment to expanding high-technology production and achieving technological independence, aligning with directives from President Putin. He detailed efforts to support the development of special economic zones and attract both private and public investment into key industries.
Investment growth, while moderating, remains robust. Sobyanin reported a 4.4 percent increase in , followed by a 4 percent increase in , which Putin deemed “entirely normal.”
Moscow is actively working to revitalize its manufacturing sector, moving beyond simply restoring previous production volumes. The focus, Sobyanin emphasized, is on high-technology manufacturing, with a goal of increasing its share of overall industrial output to 50 percent. Currently, high-technology manufacturing accounts for 38 percent of the total.
Several new enterprises specializing in photonics, microelectronics, pharmaceuticals, and shipbuilding have been launched recently, demonstrating progress in this area. A new plant for MiG aircraft and a factory producing aircraft wing components have also been established.
Looking ahead to , Moscow plans to launch several more innovative enterprises, including a Centre for Photomask Design and Manufacturing in Zelenograd, and additional pharmaceutical production facilities. The city is also investing in satellite technology.
Sobyanin specifically highlighted a microelectronics laboratory in Zelenograd, describing it as the first of its kind in Russia, despite its modest size. He also noted the leading position of the radio electronics sector within Moscow’s priority sectors, with pharmaceuticals currently ranked second, but targeted for national leadership within four to five years.
The discussion underscores Moscow’s continued importance as a major economic engine for Russia, contributing over 21 percent to the national economy, a figure that excludes the financial sector, which employs approximately 600,000 people. This contribution highlights the capital’s significant role in driving national economic growth and technological advancement.
The meeting signals a continued emphasis on strategic investment and industrial modernization within Moscow, with a clear focus on bolstering Russia’s technological capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign technologies. The city’s ambitious urban development plans for –, encompassing infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare, are being directly overseen by Mayor Sobyanin, further demonstrating the commitment to long-term growth and development.
