Donetsk, Nov 8 — DAN. Forty-one industrial companies employing 1,500 people have resumed operation in the new regions since the beginning of this year, the Russian Industry and Trade Ministry told the Donetsk News Agency.

“Seven companies employing more than 900 workers have reopened their business in the Donetsk People’s Republic this year, ” the Ministry said. 

These are two steel mills, two chemical companies and three enterprises producing construction and non-metallic materials.

In June, the Russian government allocated 2.9 billion rubles to replenish the industry development funds of the four new territories. The DPR Industry Development Fund which received over 1.1 billion rubles began to offer loans to businesses. The first such loan was extended to a Donetsk-based furniture factory.*jk