Penza, 23 May 2016. PenzaNews. The Penza region governor Ivan Belozertsev reproached the head of the regional Industry Ministry Mikhail Torgashin for exhibiting an overly formal approach to supporting local industries.

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“Members of the local government must design the ways to develop the economy, support the enterprises in tough times,” said the head of the region during the session of the local Legislative Assembly on Monday, May 23.

In particular, he asked the official about the financial situation aid provided to the Nizhny Lomov plywood factory “Vlast Truda” and the Penza furniture company “Lerom.”

“We are unable to provide direct financial support,” Mikhail Torgashin explained.

He also added that the Nizhny Lomov factory is experiencing issues due to decreased demand for plywood from international partners, while “Lerom” is affected by the general decline in the construction and assembly field.

“I expected this kind of answer,” Ivan Belozertsev remarked bitterly.

According to the head of the region, even though the officials in the regional government get replaced, their attitude to work usually remains the same, as many of the newcomers end up following their predecessors’ algorithms rather than generating new ideas for development.

In particular, the Penza region governor suggested to establish more active relations with the Iran Chamber of Commerce.

When he was informed that the work in this field is already being done and a business mission is to depart in autumn, Ivan Belozertsev rebuked it by saying that “everything will be taken when we finally arrive there like that.”