Press Review Caucasus (April 1-6)

by "Vestnik Kavkaza"

A steady increase in demand for ferrous metals has been observed in Azerbaijan in recent years. According to the local newspaper "Echo", metals imports into the country increased 5.4 times over the past 10 years. To this background the growth of cost of ferrous metals imported to the country is observed by 1,94 times. First of all experts connect increase in demand with development of construction sector, growth of requirement for channels, fittings and other products. Proceeding from it, as “the Zerkalo” newspaper informs, in the republic steps are taken for "ferrous metallurgy" revival once again. Decided to create the country's powerful metallurgical complex and establish a single chain-from ore production to manufacturing of steel. There are practices in this area in the republic for a long time. The newspaper says that in 1960, when the world is ruled by the classic method for processing iron ore - "Blast Furnace-Mart", and about alternative processes of direct reduction metallurgy, so-called processes of direct receiving iron, few scientists thought, Academician Gabibulla Shakhtakhtinsky, directing only on the profile in Azerbaijan laboratory "technology of mineral substances", set the task of applying the method of reduction of iron ore from the local natural gas. He substantiated his idea of the conditions of Azerbaijan: in the presence of a large-scale iron ore deposit and ore-dressing plant in Dashkasan, the republic has no facilities for their use and processing. Hence the need to develop conditions Dashkesan ore direct reduction by natural gas, to produce metallized materials for steel production by Tube Rolling Plant. The first attempts of radical reconstruction of metallurgical industry were made in Azerbaijan in 1994. By means of the German company Ferrostaal general study of the project of a complex on production in Azerbaijan was executed by 1 million tons of steel from local resources. The scientific bases of direct reduction receiving iron from local ore developed by the Azerbaijani scientists found reflection in this project. However then financial possibilities of the country didn't allow to realize the project. Today, the issues of design, construction and management of the new metallurgical plant assigned to the newly created "Azerbaijan complex for the production of steel." It is expected that within a few years, with the commissioning of the enterprise, Azerbaijan will receive from its own steel pipes and fittings and other metal profile.

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The newspaper "Voice of Armenia" expressed concern about the resignation of Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan and his government, which has recently been accepted by the president. Obviously, the magazine writes that as the prime minister and his government over the years at the helm of the executive branch more than once gave rise to accusations. It is enough to remember of all his failed programs and ambitious projects. Take into account the degree of responsibility of this government in terms of errors with pension reform. However, the author notes, there is also the realization that for the resignation of Prime Minister chosen not the best time. It is unlikely the following government, even on condition of arrival to Cabinet of Ministers of the ingenious politician and the economist, will instantly solve economic social problems and will brake migration. After all, he will have to delve into the country's economy almost from scratch , and, perhaps, in the most fatal for the country the period, when the main vector of economic development of the country is formed, aimed at integration with the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Community. For several months there is a work on "road map" realization on a route Armenia - the Customs union. Tigran Sargsyan heads this work, the team from ministers of the economic block is created, negotiations with partners on the Customs union are conducted, Armenian side is trying to formulate and focus their interests and views on the future of the Customs Union. There are ministers, the negotiators possessing already certain experience of contacts with Russian (and not only) partners in this group. In fact, today this group forms bases of the economic future of the country , attached to the Euroasian integration processes. At this responsible stage on which long-term economic prospects of Armenia in many respects depend,there is a disbandment of command of integrators. For the sake of what long-term interests of the country are endangered - remains not clear, as, however, and, why Tigran Sargsyan left from a post of the prime minister at the most inappropriate moment, the author concludes.

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The Free Georgia newspaper publishes interview with the ambassador of People's Republic of China in Tbilisi Yu Bing. Speaking about a present condition of the bilateral relations, the ambassador noted that they gained stable and healthy development. In the sphere of trade and economy in the past year the trade turnover between the two countries increased by 18% and amounted 914 million dollars. China has become the fifth trading partner of Georgia. Direct Chinese investment accounts for over $ 300 million. They annually promote creation more than one thousand workplaces in Georgia. The Chinese government provided Georgia with grant aid in the sum of $ 5 million last year. Currently, there are consultations about the use of the money for the construction of vegetable greenhouses, granting Georgia to new party of agricultural machinery and other goods. Many Chinese companies are requesting information about opportunities to invest in Georgia. The parties also fruitfully cooperate in the sphere of agriculture, finance and personnel retrainings.

The ambassador reported that last year the president of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping put forward the strategic concept about creation of "an economic belt of the Silk way" which includes five points - these are political connections, connection of roads, free trade, monetary circulation and increase of contacts of the people. Georgia is located on the border of Asia and Europe, has obvious geographical advantages. Lying through Georgia trade route between China and Europe is the shortest and fastest. The ambassador said that Georgia is already included in the list of countries recommended to Chinese citizens for tourist trips abroad. Organization of a direct flight between Urumqi and Tbilisi and the signing of an agreement between China and Georgia on cooperation in the sphere of tourism, according to him, will also play a positive role.

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As the newspaper "Kabardino-Balkaria truth" informs for complex rehabilitation and social adaptation of 65780 disabled people consisting on the account and other handicapped groups of the population in the region the republican target program is realized"Accessible Environment in the CBD"for 2013-2015.The program is funded by the national budget and local budgets of municipalitieswith attraction of financial resources from the federal budget and non-budgetary sources.The total cost for the program is about 105.1 million rubles.Binding activities contained in the program co-financed from the federal budget, are adapting buildings institutions, acquisition of public transport,adapted for handicapped, accessibility for the blind pedestrian crossings near the socially significant objects,subtitling of television programs mandatory regional public channels.CBD disabilities provided with technical means of rehabilitation and orthopedic products for 98.23%, which is one of the best results in the Russian Federation.Integration of disabled children in the environment of healthy children conducted in 25 educational institutions eight municipalities of the republic.

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"The rate of youth" - the so-called Article in Karachai-Circassian newspaper "Republic Day" telling about the implementation of the youth policy in the region. According to information of the head of department for youth of Karachay-Cherkessia Anzor Erkenov, there is a positive trend of increasing co-financing from the federal budget as part of the republican target program "Housing for young families", which allows more people to improve their living conditions is observed in the country every year. More than 1,600 young families improved their living conditions in republic in just 10 years.