Now in its 3rd successful edition the Guide represents the most comprehensive compilation of data for all regions of Russia.
A unique 1370 page information resource with full colour charts, graphs & maps from CTEC Publishing LLC, completely revised for 2008 and available in Print, or Regional PDF files.
The Irkutsk Region is a region with a highly developed industry, and at the
same time, it possesses a considerable share of Russia’s natural resources: 11% of forests, 10% of gold, 10% of water resources, and 7% of coal, oil,
and gas. A distinctive feature of the Irkutsk Region, which sets it apart from
other Russian regions, is its abundant energy resources and low cost of producedelectricity.
A project for merging the cities of Irkutsk, Angarsk, and Shelekhov, and
communities of the Irkutsk, Angarsk, and Shelekhov Districts into the socalled
“Irkutsk Agglomeration” has been prepared. The nucleus of the new
agglomeration will be located in the city of Irkutsk, which is an administrative,
industrial, transportation, scientific, and cultural center.
Development strategy of the Irkutsk Region focuses on attracting investment, and is based on implementation of a number of investment projects. Construction of the East Siberia–Pacific trunk pipeline (capable of transporting
up to 80 million tons of oil per year) has been planned. A General Plan of Gas
Supply of the Irkutsk Region has been drawn up; its goal is to provide natural
gas to 82% of the Irkutsk Region’s territory. Quite a few projects are planned in
forest- and timber-related industries, aiming to upgrade equipment and increase production volume. Very soon, the Irkutsk Region will be producing more aluminum than any other Russian region. Construction of a new SUN InBev brewery is underway in Angarsk. The largest new undertaking in the construction materials sector is the construction of a gypsum-based construction materials plant by the KNAUF Group.
During the last 4 years, the number of tourists visiting the Region has
increased by 3.5 times, and the number of people occupied in this sphere, by
2.5 times. Therefore, the recreation business is emerging as a new, promising economic activity. Outlook is good for development of hotel business, construction of recreational sites, reconstruction of health care centers and resorts, and construction of business centers. Lake Baikal, the largest and most ancient fresh-water lake of our planet, which is a UNESCO world heritage site, offers great opportunities for development of recreational business in the Irkutsk Region. The unique beauty of the Region’s nature, numerous mineral springs, exceptionally pure air of the mountain taiga, sunny weather, and historical and cultural heritage are the factors that attract tourists to the Irkutsk Region.
On January 1, 2008, the Irkutsk Region was merged with the Ust-Ordynsky
Buryatsky Autonomous District. The former Autonomous District has a spare
population and no developed industry; its economy is mostly agriculture-based. One of the key resources of the District is its forest, occupying 1 million hectares, or 54.4% of the District’s lands. Valuable coniferous species (pine, larch, fir, cedar, silver fir) are prevalent (80%).
While the problems related to transition of our country to market economy
affected the District’s economy, it was able to maintain and increase production volumes in most of sectors. Due to the natural resources found in the District (coal, oil, natural gas and gas condensate, clay, and gypsum), serious industry development is possible.
Due to implementation of the above projects, by 2010 economy structure of
the Irkutsk Region will be changed, and by 2020 it will be totally different from
its present state (more diversified, among other things) which will help steady
economic development of the Region in the future.