OREANDA-NEWS. April 14, 2010.  Prime Minister Putin's introductory remarks:  Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen,

Today is a regular meeting of the Government Commission on Monitoring Foreign Investment, where we'll consider international companies' bids for Russian strategic assets.

I'd like to highlight one project; it's not very big but it's important. I am referring to the project of the French pharmaceuticals company Sanofi-Aventis to launch the production of insulin pens for diabetics in the Orel Region.

We reviewed the situation in the pharmaceuticals market just yesterday, at the meeting of the Government Presidium. We analysed the mechanisms of government regulation of drug prices.

I'd like to stress that we'll keep an eye on these issues and I'd also like to draw the special attention of regional leaders to the need to exercise personal control over prices.

It's obvious that we'll be able to provide high-quality and affordable medicines for the people only if we foster the development of the Russian pharmaceuticals industry. This is why we welcome mutually beneficial partnership with international pharmaceuticals companies, especially when it concerns life-saving medications.

One more point I'd like to make: The government is developing a business-friendly environment, and has already made several decisions to eliminate excessive administrative barriers and promote competitiveness.

There are more than enough barriers and superfluous administrative powers at all levels of government, and they complicate the functioning of the government machine as such. However, the scope of these corrupt practices is not our biggest problem. The worst thing is that new barriers are constantly generated at various levels. Our officials seem to have an inherent need to control everyone and everything. Nevertheless, we'll carry on with our effort to deal with these problems, and we'll be very persistent in this.

Obviously, it's necessary to overhaul the mechanisms of attracting foreign investment. There are also unjustified restrictions and bans here, and decision-making is sometimes very complicated and bureaucratized.

I request the Federal Antimonopoly Service to submit suggestions to alter the legislation on foreign investment as soon as possible.

Let's get down to work.