OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2008. Economic Development and Trade Minister Elvira Nabiullina reported on industrial development results for February.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Zhukov informed the meeting about the establishment of the Government Commission for Developing Small and Medium Business, which will work in particular on reducing administrative barriers and providing finance and loan support for small and medium businesses. 

First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov spoke about an upcoming meeting on developing Russia’s defence industry that will take place in the city of Tula.

Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin reported on the implementation of public sector wage rises in the regions and on macroeconomic development trends. The President reminded Mr Kudrin of the need to work closely with the Central Bank and the Economic Development and Trade Ministry to keep the rouble’s strengthening under control.