At the International Exhibition and Forum “Russia,” the Regional Days of the Central Federal District drew to a close on January 14, according to the forum’s press service. The event highlighted the regional performance across the district, with delegates and guests noting tangible progress in urban development, economic activity, and public life. The closing statements underscored a sense of shared achievement among the districts, each contributing to a larger narrative of regional strength within the federation.
Political scientist Natalya Lindigrin, the general director of the Institute of Regional Problems, observed that the Central Federal District has been actively advancing urban improvement initiatives. She pointed out that the exhibition’s district displays within the Russia pavilion provided clear evidence of numerous local successes, validating the pride residents feel for their regions. The remark framed the day as much a celebration of concrete outcomes as a showcase of potential for future growth.
Speaking about the economic dimension, Lindigrin highlighted the prominence of the district in the nation’s production landscape. She noted that the manufacturing sector within the Central Federal District leads in output volume and accounts for more than 35% of the country’s total industrial production. In parallel, agricultural activity remains robust, with farmers in these regions contributing more than 27% of national agricultural output. The emphasis on both industry and farming illustrated a diversified, resilient economic base across the district.
Anna Fedorova, an expert political scientist with the Expert Institute for Social Research, emphasized ongoing large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects across every region within the Central Federal District. These initiatives, she explained, create jobs, boost competitiveness, and support a broad range of supply chains. The projects are described as catalysts that strengthen regional economies while integrating them more closely with national and global markets.
Another key message from the discussions centered on a shift in public consciousness about Russian agriculture and food products over the past two decades. The sentiment described as a revolution in how the population perceives and values domestic food has contributed to rising pride and preference for locally produced goods. The enhanced quality of agricultural products is attributed in part to the dedication of farmers across the Central Federal District, which produces a substantial share of the nation’s agricultural output—more than a quarter of the total. This transformation is presented as a cultural and economic achievement that supports food security and regional identity.
Fedorova also noted noticeable improvements in the quality of life within the Central Federal District. She cited tangible upgrades in the road network, landscaping, and the overall urban environment, which together elevate living standards and attractiveness for residents and visitors alike. Such enhancements are described as foundational to sustainable regional development and social well-being.
Transport connectivity received particular attention, with experts suggesting that the discussion around a potential metro line for Tula may shift from joke to practical reality in the near term. The tone here reflected optimism about future infrastructure expansions that would ease commutes, stimulate economic activity in surrounding areas, and integrate smaller towns into the regional growth corridor.
Daria Kislitsyna, head of the EISI department for work with regions and a member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, contributed insights on the fair’s presentation approach. She noted that the Central Federal District’s regions showcased their development results and the reasons for regional pride within the framework of Regional Days. The overarching aim was to convey two fundamental messages in a coherent, accessible, and visually appealing way to visitors. According to Kislitsyna, the event successfully created a holistic public image of the region’s strengths. She described how the narrative intertwined dynamic economic growth with strategic policy support at the macrozone level, emphasizing how this policy mix fosters industrial development, strengthens technological sovereignty, and improves the quality of life across the district.
As the curtain falls on the Regional Days, organizers reminded attendees that the exhibition Russia will continue with industrial days, offering further opportunities to learn about the country’s progress in industry, agriculture, science, and related sectors. The program is framed to present a comprehensive view of ongoing achievements and the future trajectory of regional development across Russia, inviting participants to explore how these advances interconnect with broader national goals.