Mining business: Mishustin assessed the growth of investments in the regions of the North Caucasus

By the end of 2025, the volume of capital investments in the regions of the North Caucasus increased by 10% and approached 1.5 trillion rubles, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said. The head of the Cabinet of Ministers spoke at the annual investment forum, which was held in Mineralnye Vody from April 28 to April 30. The main problem of the region remains its heavy dependence on monetary subsidies from the state budget, which is why Mishustin persistently urged the heads of the regions to look for private investors to develop their economies. The Prime minister set a number of tasks for the local authorities: to build roads, help flood victims, and also to develop tourism.

The head of the Cabinet assessed the economy of the Caucasian regions

The Caucasian Investment Forum, the main platform for the presentation of economic achievements of the republics and regions of the North Caucasus, has completed its work in Mineralnye Vody. On the last day of the forum, it was visited by a government delegation led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. He began his visit by visiting a large-scale exhibition: each stand represented a separate region and its project.

For example, the site of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic was dedicated to Arkhyz airport. At the exhibition, the ministers launched its construction, and it is planned to open the airport for passengers in 2029, the head of the region, Rashid Temrezov, told Mishustin. Meanwhile, a new airport was launched in Abkhazia last year, during which time it was possible to transport more than 120 thousand people, reported the President of the republic, Badra Gunba.

Photo: Maxim Bazanov

The most important topic that the Prime minister discussed with the heads of the regions was private investment, or rather its lack. He directly asked the governor of Stavropol, Vladimir Vladimirovich, about this. In response, he complained about the difficult business situation in the region. Mishustin began his speech on this topic at a meeting with the Executive Committee on socio-economic development of the North Caucasus.

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— The volume of investments [in the Caucasian regions] is steadily increasing. Last year, it increased by 10%, approaching 1.5 trillion rubles. The number of small and medium—sized enterprises has increased by 10%," he noted.

According to him, this was the result of skillful state support, which was developed for regions, investors, and entrepreneurs. The agricultural sector remains one of the main branches of the North Caucasus Federal District (NCFD). In 2025, more than 36 billion rubles were allocated from the state budget for its development. Greenhouse complexes are actively developing and being introduced. The largest are in North Ossetia, Ingushetia and Stavropol Territory. The regions produce almost all types of agricultural products, as well as a tenth of grain, a third of fruits and berries in the country, the Prime minister stressed.

Photo: Maxim Bazanov

Speaking to the heads of the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District, the Prime Minister set a number of tasks. First, the authorities should do their best to help the flooded territories affected by the floods in Dagestan and other regions of the Russian Federation. "So that people can return to their usual lives, business, and work as soon as possible," he explained.

Secondly, it is important to complete all road construction projects, including the North–South transport corridor and federal highways. Roads provide a powerful impetus not only for economic development, but also for attracting business.

Thirdly, it is important to actively work with investors to develop tourism in the region. Arkhyz, Elbrus, Dombay and Mamison have become points of attraction for tens and hundreds of thousands of tourists. In 2025, the tourist flow in the North Caucasus exceeded 3.2 million people.

— The geographical location allows you to develop any of its sectors. Create conditions for recreational and beach holidays. For active, even extreme activities like downhill skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering," Mishustin noted.

Photo: Maxim Bazanov

According to him, Russian ministers began to visit the Caucasus regions more often on weekends. Finally, the heads of the regions were instructed, together with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Economic Development, to work on the development of floriculture. "The demand of the domestic market is huge today — almost 2 billion units. Currently, only a quarter is produced in the whole country," the head of the cabinet said.

Results of the Investment Forum in the Caucasus

The Caucasian Investment Forum gathered 3,000 participants from 27 countries in two days. Regions and businesses have signed 62 agreements worth 400 billion rubles. The participation of Mikhail Mishustin and key ministers is a signal to investors and regional elites about the inclusion of the Caucasus in the national development agenda, said Ruslan Andreev, project manager of the Polylog Group, political consultant, in a conversation with Izvestia.

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"The Caucasian regions have a number of objective advantages: a relatively young population, tourism potential, opportunities for the development of the agricultural sector and a favorable geographical location, which, with proper infrastructure, can strengthen their role as a transit hub," the expert said.

Photo: Maxim Bazanov

However, a number of problems remain. First of all, the underdeveloped industrial base and the high dependence on the support of the center. For example, in some regions, including Dagestan and Chechnya, the share of federal budget contributions may exceed 60-80%.

Other income items include agriculture, trade, and services. Tourism remains a very promising area. Its growth rate in the Caucasus is significantly higher than the national average, said Maxim Reshetnikov, head of the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation. "In winter, the district exceeded last year's target, with a 19% increase primarily due to skiing," he said.

Probably, in order to solve the problem of the region's dependence on budget funds, it was proposed to hold an investment forum annually. Such a format, on the one hand, could attract the attention of market players, and on the other, encourage regional authorities to work more actively with businesses.