Problems of geostrategic territories of the southern strip of Siberia

Abstract

The paper analyses the possibilities of the border territories of Siberia to perform geostrategic functions defined in the Spatial Development Strategy of the Russian Federation. The existing cross-border relationships have little impact on the socio-economic development of the territories. Exports in the regions of Transbaikalia, classified by the Strategy to the Far East as a priority macro-region for development, are growing due to the expansion of raw materials export. In the same regions, the volume of foreign investment due to the mining sector is also increasing, while in other border regions their volume is falling. Most of the outgoing investments are directed to offshore and resort countries, which does not contribute to the receipt and return of profits to the regions. Foreign enterprises operate mainly in the raw materials industries, construction and intermediary services, in the western regions of the border zone they are also present in modern processing industries. Among the counterparty countries, the presence of China is expanding, which is gradually displacing Kazakhstan from the leading positions even in the border regions of Western Siberia. It is necessary to both understand the goals and methods of forming a geostrategic security belt and offer state support for the development of such territories.