The Conference of the Regional Association of International Carriers
In Smolensk there was the Conference of the Association of International Road Carriers of Smolensk region, at which the participants discussed the results and prospects of the development of road and transport complex in Smolensk region in 2014, considered the specifics of performing transport control and measures to enhance road safety. Also as part of the annual conference there was a presentation dedicated to opportunities of the regional market of international transportation.
The speakers at the conference were the Head of the Industry, Transport and Roads Department of Smolensk region Vladimir Shukalov, the head of the ASMAP representation office in the Central Federal District Sergei Baklitskiy, the heads of auto transport organizations of the region, representatives of the State Inspection for Road Traffic Safety, and Gosavtonadzor.
The conference it was noted that the development of the economy, the implementation of major investment projects require the modernized transport infrastructure. The dynamics of the recent years, as for the volume of the allocated funds, and quality of repairs, are obviously positive.
Smolensk region has a fairly well-developed road network. The length of the federal highways passing through the region is 697 kilometers, and the regional network of public roads is 8,310 km. In accordance with the regulations in the region almost 1,500 kilometers of roads must be repaired. In order to do it the regional state program "Development of the road and transport complex of Smolensk region" for 2014-2020 has been designed and approved, within the framework of which the road and transport complex will be developed and major activities for 2014 will be funded.
The conference participants repeatedly drew attention to the fact that Smolensk region with its advantageous geographical position is a unique road junction, which forms the second international transport corridor with lots of traffic and also the lateral north-south route. Thus the region objectively must play the role of the "bridge" between the countries of Western Europe.
The Administration of Smolensk region considered it possible to give the international carriers a transport tax benefit. The Law of Smolensk region "On tax benefits" provides for a reduction of the transport tax rates by 20 percent in 2012-2014 for the taxpayers engaged in international road transportation of goods for vehicles with engine capacity of more than 250 horsepower. The Head of the Department of profile Vladimir Shukalov stressed that the regional administration intends to develop the transport capacity of the region, to promote an increase in traffic in constructive cooperation with Association of International Road Carriers.