New minister of Economic Development

The governor on Tuesday signed the decree which has immediate effect, the regional administration’s press service informs.

Sergei Agarkov comes from the post as leader of the regional Accounts Chamber. He has a background as researchers and has a PhD in economics. He successfully served three years in the Accounts Chamber, for which he last week was awarded a Diploma of Honor by the Regional Duma, newspaper Murmanski Vestnik reports.

The position has been vacant for half a year after former minister Yuri Yefremov left the post in late December 2010. Since then, Deputy Minister Yelena Tikhonova has served as acting minister.

The Ministry of Economic Development is main responsible for economic planning, investments, as well as international economic relations.