OREANDA-NEWS. February 20, 2009. The President said that despite the difficulties associated with the economic crisis, the country cannot afford to renounce its strategic projects aimed at making the Russian economy more competitive. This remains one of the top priorities for the years ahead.

Mr Medvedev outlined a number of additional tasks for countering the effects of the crisis. They include support for cornerstone enterprises at regional and municipal level, energy conservation measures in the public sector, and modernisation of housing and utilities infrastructure.

The President also highlighted the social priority of resettling people out of housing no longer fit for habitation. Work in this area will have the added benefit of supporting the construction sector and infrastructure projects.