OREANDA-NEWS. On August 06, 2009 VTB delegation headed by Andrei Kostin, VTB President and Chairman of the Management Board, visited Astrakhan. During the meeting Andrei Kostin and Alexander Zhilkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region discussed the implementation of the Cooperation Agreement signed between VTB and the Astrakhan Government in August 2005. They also outlined ways of further bilateral cooperation, reported the press-centre of VTB.
 
Alexander Zhilkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region, pointed out significant contribution of federal banks to the regional economy: “Presently, VTB is one of our major financial partners. The Bank actively cooperates with the Astrakhan Region Administration in solving social, economic and financial tasks”.  Alexander Zhilkin emphasized the fact that VTB simultaneously participated in several socially important projects, including investment into housing construction that is particularly important for the citizens. He promised that the Administration would create the best conditions for one of its most reliable business and social partners. 

Following the results of the visit, Andrei Kostin said: “In the face of extremely tough economic conditions, VTB intends to increase financing of the regional enterprises. The Bank sees huge potential in developing mortgage lending, power and shipbuilding industries, and investment into housing construction. We believe the Astrakhan Region Administration to support our initiatives.” At present, total funds channeled by the Bank into the Astrakhan Region and Administration is RUB 3.590 billion and RUB 456 million, respectively.
Within the framework of the visit the Bank also held an event under the World Without Tears charity program. VTB donated two universal operating tables for high-technology operations to the Children`s regional hospital named after N.N. Silischeva.  

For reference:
Cooperation between JSC VTB Bank and the Astrakhan Region Administration started 10 years ago with launching the Bank’s branch in Astrakhan. Presently, VTB Group has four offices in the region, including VTB24 outlets. The Branch customer base comprises 1819 corporate customers engaged in all spheres of business. In 2009, the Bank continued to increase funding in the regional economy. Since the beginning of 2009, VTB Group banks have provided lending for over RUB 2 billion, with loans to small businesses totaling RUB 11 million.   

The Branch in Astrakhan finances programs of the leading regional enterprises, such as Astrakhan Tare and Package Mill, OJSC AstrakhanPassazhirTrans, City Resort Astrakhan, Caspian Energy Group of Companies, etc. The Branch also contributes to medium business development. It provides financing to such enterprises as Neft-Oil Production Commercial Company, Astrakhan Fuel Resources, Astrakhangazstroi, Kanalvodstroi Production Commercial Company, OJSC Astrakhan Machine-Tool Plant, Privolzhsky Iron and Steel Company, etc.