OREANDA-NEWS. October 17, 2008. Participants discussed a number of measures to support specific sectors of the Russian economy in response to the economic crisis.

The President recalled that a number of steps to stabilise the financial market have already been taken. Laws designed to support the financial system have entered into force, banks have been provided with subordinated loans of 950 billion rubles for 10 years and effective steps to protect the interests of depositors have been taken.

The head of state stressed that in order to maintain good economic growth it is necessary to do everything possible to ensure stable development in all sectors of the economy: industry, agriculture, transport, construction and trade.

Dmitry Medvedev said that in current circumstances priority tasks include restoring confidence among lenders and borrowers and expressed his willingness to adopt additional solutions to reduce excessive risk.

The President instructed the Ministry of Finance to support the Russian defence enterprises and endorsed the proposal of the Economic Development Ministry to increase funding programmes in support of small businesses.

The meeting was attended by Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Naryshkin, First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, Presidential Aide Arkady Dvorkovich, ministers Tatiana Golikova, Alexei Gordeev, Igor Levitin, Elvira Nabiullina, Viktor Khristenko, Chairman of the Central Bank of Russia Sergei Ignatiev and representatives of the largest Russian banks.