OREANDA-NEWS. September 29, 2008. Prime Minister Vladimir Putin met with Alfa-Bank President Petr Aven to discuss the current state of the Russian financial system and banking sector, reported the press-centre of Alfa-Bank.

According to Mr Aven, Russian banks have the financial resources necessary to overcome the current challenges. He added that, "more than a few Russian banks will be able to take advantage of the international financial situation to gain a firm foothold on the global market".

Mr Aven updated Prime Minister Putin on Alfa-Bank’s development, and in particular on the implementation of a number of investments projects both in Russia and abroad. He said that while the Bank is now focused mostly on the CIS, it is also expanding its operations in South-East Asia. "I believe the retail, commercial and investment banking sectors still have enormous potential for growth", Mr Aven noted.