article_snippet: This new scheme is seen as a way of turning Russia into a global transportation hub, a bridge between Europe, Asia and North America, so revitalising the Russian economy and attracting new tourism.
article_snippet: Vladimir Fortov, the Head of the Russian Academy of Science, recently put forward the uncosted plan dubbed the Trans-Eurasian Belt Development (TEPR) to President Vladimir Putin. '
article_snippet: The project is very ambitious and expensive, but The project will solve many problems in the development of the vast region,' President Vladimir Putin said, according to The Siberian Times.
article_snippet: Plans for the Trans-Eurasian Belt Development have been presented to President Vladimir Putin (left) by Vladimir Fortov, the Head of the Russian Academy of Science (right).
article_snippet: Plans for the TEPR were unveiled by the head of the Russian Railways Vladimir Yakunin - who has been hit by Western sanctions over Ukraine - at a meeting of the Russian Academy of Science.
article_snippet: Giving a presentation on the scheme, Yakunin - a close friend of Putin - described it as 'an inter-state, inter-civilisation project'.
article_snippet: Yakunin - also said it would lead to Russia becoming the new world centre for the creation and development of high-tech industries because of Russia central position in the new global transport network.
highlights_snippet: Russian Academy of Science put forward plan to President Vladimir Putin .
  