Penza, 4 April 2012. PenzaNews. In 2011 the volume of gross regional output (GRP) in the Penza region exceeded pre-crisis level of 2008 and totaled 187.98 billion rubles that is 12.6 % higher than 2010 index. Governor Vasily Bochkarev reported about it during regular session of Legislative Assembly of the region on Wednesday, April 4.

“Authorities activity this year was aimed at acceleration of economic growth rates, pre-crisis output volume achievement, population income growth, improvement of accommodation conditions,” noted the governor.

He reported that mid-annual growth rate of GRP from 2000 for 2010 was established at level above average Russian and totals 104.9%.

“The main share of GRP structure is industry 28%, wholesale and retail trade is 16%, agriculture is 9.5% and building is about 7%. GRP increase per capita is expected due to added cost growth rates mostly in industry,” said the head of the region.

The main outcomes of 2011 Vasily Bochkarev called achievement of high growth rates in the industry, agrarian sector and also increase in volume of investments.

“Last year the Penza region took the first place in the Volga federal district in index of industrial production. It is 117.4 % of average Russian indicator 104.7 %,” said the governor.

According to him, not only large enterprises form the economic potential of the region.

“Our priority is development of small and mid-size business. Serious state support allowed to promote activity of this sector of economy,” explained the head of the region.

Summing up, Vasily Bochkarev noted that the economy of the area and its social sphere are up-to-date.
“The main challenges for our country are demography, ensuring growth of GRP per capita, investments attraction and keeping manpower in the region, first of all, the youth,” summarized the governor.