News

A working meeting between the Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation and the Governor of Penza Oblast took place in Moscow.
A separate topic of discussion was the implementation of the President's instructions regarding support for participants and veterans of the Special Military Operation.
Oleg Melnichenko reported on the implementation of 35 support measures in the region, as well as the launch of the pilot project "Surskoye Muzhestvo" on September 15, aimed at psychological, socio-cultural, sports, and labor rehabilitation.
"Unfortunately, our soldiers are returning from the front with amputations, including lower limbs, and they need help to return to normal life," the Governor explained.
The project will be implemented on the basis of "Kvartal Lui" in collaboration with the Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova. The first participants will be 20 servicemen with disabilities due to military trauma.
"Upon completion of the 30-day course, participants will receive a professional development certificate. Then we will help them obtain a social contract, enabling them to actively engage in socio-economic life and start their own business," informed Oleg Melnichenko. "These programs have proven effective when our wheelchair users completed them."
"It is very important for the soldiers to be fully involved in labor activities. It's good that the project is comprehensive. It will provide not only medical and psychological assistance but also employment support," assessed Valentina Matviyenko. "We will definitely study this experience."
Oleg Melnichenko also reported on the socio-economic development of the region over the past 1.5 years.
"You are doing well by participating in all federal programs. This is the Governor's personal merit, and you are actively pursuing this," emphasized the Chairwoman of the Federation Council.
According to 2024 results, the gross regional product is estimated at 743.2 billion rubles. In terms of industrial production growth rates, the region ranks 5th in the Volga Federal District and 18th in Russia.
The average salary in industry for January-June 2025 increased by over 20% (compared to the same period last year) and now stands at 71,800 rubles. The average salary in the region for the first half of 2025 increased by 18.3% to 63,900 rubles.
One of the priority areas of socio-economic development in the region is small and medium-sized businesses. Their contribution to the gross regional product is 35.6%, ranking first in the Volga Federal District and sixth in the country. This sector employs 230,000 people, representing one-third of the region's citizens. Furthermore, since 2021, the number of self-employed individuals has increased 4.6 times and now stands at 78,600 people.
The meeting also addressed the issue of increasing investment growth.
As reported by the regional leader, Penza Oblast is experiencing annual growth in fixed capital investments. In 2024, the volume reached a significant 138.4 billion rubles, with the region improving its position in the National Investment Climate Rating, ranking 19th in Russia. In 2025, the investment volume is forecasted to reach 154 billion rubles, with a growth rate exceeding the national average.
Significant investment projects include: expansion of turkey meat production by Damate, construction of a distribution center by Wildberries, increased production of baby food by Molkom, furniture production by company SV-Mebel, and creation of a plant for producing particleboard and laminated particleboard by Ultradekor.