On February 28, 2025, Makhachkala, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan, witnessed several significant developments aimed at bolstering the region's economic growth and cultural heritage. Regional officials emphasized their commitment to national projects and initiatives during various engagements. The Head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, and his administration are making strides to increase international cooperation and support local entrepreneurs.
One of the prominent initiatives is Dagestan's participation in the federal project titled "International Cooperation and Export." An agreement was signed with the Russian Export Center to implement various measures under this project. According to the Export Support Center of Dagestan, the initiative includes promoting products under the national brand "Made in Russia." Key aspects involve reimbursing costs associated with participation in international exhibitions and fairs, alongside providing insurance for export projects to priority countries. This project reflects the growing determination among Dagestani entrepreneurs to expand their reach globally, as several have already benefited from these efforts last year, illustrating a clear upward trend.
A significant step forward also came from the creation of the Municipal Center for Victory Volunteers, officially inaugurated on the same day. This initiative is dedicated to training young volunteers, preparing them for significant events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory Day. The volunteers will engage in various patriotic activities such as the "Immortal Regiment," “Georgian Ribbon” campaign, and "Victory Dictation," aimed at instilling historical memory and patriotism among the youth. The center signals not only recognition of the past but also hopes for fostering civic engagement among the younger population.
Concurrently, the Ministry of Economic Development presented to the government the approval of legislation enabling out-of-court bankruptcy procedures for participants of the special military operation (SVO). This mechanism, which was simplified recently to facilitate the process, allows debts totaling up to one million rubles to be written off with minimal documentation requirements. This legislative change signifies financial relief for many servicemen, emphasizing the state’s commitment to supporting those who have served.
At another event on this day, the Premier of Dagestan, Abdulmuslim Abdulmuslimov, met with Belarusian officials to discuss collaborative opportunities within the textile industry. They visited OAO "Polésie," the largest textile enterprise within Belarus and the Commonwealth of Independent States. General Director Viktor Voitovich highlighted the factory's extensive production capacity and willingness to collaborate, particularly with Dagestan’s wool producers. According to Abdulmuslimov, Dagestan is ready to supply about 70% wool content for specialized military uniforms produced by Belarussian manufacturers, paving the way for potential economic expansion.
Abdulmuslimov shared his vision, stating, "We intend to produce clothing for our younger generation, just as it was done previously during the Soviet era," indicating aspirations to rejuvenate local textile industries alongside Belarusian partners. Plans were laid out to increase the production of quality wool products, which would suggest future growth and economic synergy between Dagestan and Belarus.
Sergey Melikov noted during his meetings, "All beneficiaries should be covered. There should be new roads, hospitals, and schools, not just 'smooth' reports.” This reflects the administration's commitment to tangible outcomes from the national projects being implemented across the region. Dagestan is not only active but ambitious, seeking effective methods to improve living standards and infrastructure.
With significant investments already approved to fund upcoming projects, the Dagestani government aims for extensive collaboration with various ministries and institutions within Russia to support operational efficiency and project transfer. This is reported to include the establishment of district offices focused on timely execution of tasks pertaining to these national projects.
Moving forward, Dagestan becomes involved with 12 national projects ranging from "Continual and Active Life" to "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of Government," optimizing frameworks for economic prowess and sociocultural enrichment.
The efforts to revitalize the economy and weave the rich cultural history of Dagestan resonate strongly through these initiatives. The regional leadership at Dagestan is actively working to unify local efforts as they aim to increase the visibility and viability of Dagestani products abroad. With continuous improvements anticipated, these developments are poised to position the Republic of Dagestan as not just culturally rich but also economically resilient on both national and international stages.