‘The region has enjoyed stable socio-economic conditions and a 5% production growth (compared to a year earlier) throughout January to June 2006. The amount of investments has also increased by 1.5 times and came to $5bn,’ Governor Eduard Rossel announced at the press conference.

‘The agricultural produce turnover went up by 15%, which was largely due to regular subsidies; the branch has received 200 combines whose capacity is six times greater than that of the old ones. This allowed the farmers to harvest nearly 2,000 tons of feeding stuffs within 12 hours,’ Mr Rossel said.