Tiraspol, 21 February. /Novosti Pridnestrovya/. Investments and Pridnestrovian potential were the main topics of the "Question of the Day" show on the First Pridnestrovian TV channel. Economic development minister Sergey Obolonik and chairman of the Supreme Council committee on economic policy Alexander Korshunov spoke about a new draft law on investments.
"At the beginning of 2017 the country's economy was incapacitated; many enterprises began the year without working capital and resources for development. However, at the end of the year, we managed to achieve positive dynamics in economic indicators, with industrial growth, in particular, increased by 25%. However, this was not enough; it is necessary to boost the process because the well-being of people has not improved," noted Obolonik.
The dynamics of industrial production in 2017 was positive, but the same cannot be said of investments. According to Alexander Korshunov, they hit the six-year low in 2017.
"From $200 million in 2012, about 30 million of which accounted for external investments, to up to $70 million in 2017. Erroneous management decisions made in 2012-2013 have made all investors turn away from Pridnestrovie," said Korshunov.
In his opinion, it is possible to change this trend not only by providing the investor with consistent rules of the game but also through additional preferences, which are stipulated in the new draft law.
"Preferences for investors in Pridnestrovie will be unprecedented; their essence is to create here so convenient working conditions that would outweigh the existing risks; they should be even better than in countries attractive for investment, such as Kazakhstan," said Obolonik.
Thus, according to the new investment law, business conditions will not change for 10 years, and investors will conclude individual support agreements with the Pridnestrovian government.
"Investors will be offered tax preferences right at the start, and all the profits the owner could invest in a business. [In addition, he will enjoy] a stabilisation regime ensuring stable conditions if only it does not suggest improving them," said Korshunov.
He recalled that in 2012 experts had said that in order to have a balanced budget, Pridnestrovie should double its economic performance.
"This is about $ 2 billion. We understand that this figure is very ambitious, and it is impossible to reach it in two or three years. But in close cooperation with the government, we will be striving for it. After all, every invested rouble will bring us additional tax payments in two or three years," said Korshunov.
According to Obolonik, the drafting of the new investment law is nearing its final stage, and soon the bill will be submitted to the Supreme Council for consideration.
"We already have potential investors, and the drafting of the new legislation is being carried out, taking into account their needs. Two or three investors are already waiting to sign an agreement with the government," Obolonik concluded.
