Russian Government Addresses Key Economic Priorities in October 30 Meeting

Government Convenes on Economic Agenda

The Russian government held a significant meeting on October 30, 2025, to deliberate on several key economic and social initiatives. The agenda, chaired by Mikhail Mishustin, focused on enhancing educational support, bolstering the agricultural sector, and stimulating economic development in Crimea and the new regions through their respective Free Economic Zones.

Boost for Presidential Scholarship Program

A major outcome of the meeting was the approval of measures to increase the Presidential scholarship. Following instructions from the head of state, the scholarship amount will be raised to 30,000 roubles. The government also approved a list of over 300 specialities and training programs that align with Russia's scientific and technological development priorities. These fields include:

• Mathematics and natural sciences
• Humanities
• Engineering and technology
• Defence and security
• Medicine
• Agriculture
• Education and pedagogics

Approximately 3,400 undergraduate and graduate students who excel academically, conduct research, or have won prizes at international or national Olympiads will be eligible to receive the scholarship for one year, starting from their third year of study.

Significant Allocations for Agricultural Producers

The development of the agro-industrial complex remains a top priority for the Russian government. To support this, over 34 billion roubles have been allocated for preferential lending to agricultural producers. These funds are intended to subsidize at least 39,000 loans, facilitating both short-term loans for seasonal fieldwork and long-term loans for major investment projects. The support targets various aspects of the agricultural sector, including:

• Agricultural production and processing
• Manufacturing of veterinary medicines
• Production of enzymes, feed, and food additives

This initiative aims to ensure the country's food security and provide citizens with a wide selection of high-quality products. Broader state support for the agricultural sector is projected to exceed 500 billion rubles in 2025.

Support for Free Economic Zones in Crimea and New Regions

Discussions also centered on providing support to residents of the Free Economic Zone in Crimea and the new regions. The government plans to allocate over one billion roubles as low-interest loans for residents of these economic zones. This funding will enable them to repay low interest on previously issued loans, totaling almost seven billion roubles, thereby facilitating the implementation of high-priority regional projects. The Free Economic Zone in Crimea has been operational for ten years, aiming to attract investment, improve the business climate, create jobs, and modernize infrastructure. Similar free economic zones have been established in the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, offering reduced tax rates, insurance premiums, and customs duty exemptions to stimulate economic activity and integrate these territories into Russia's industrial and technological infrastructure.