Kasyanov Comments On Development Of Fishing Industry At Government's Meeting

Today's meeting of the Russian government was devoted to problems of fishing industry. Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov reported that this industry has been causing concerns of the government for many years and despite all measures the development of this industry remains slow. Kasyanov noted that the situation improved a little last year, when the share of unprofitable companies dropped from 65 to 50 per cent but still the fishing industry is far behind compared to Russian booming industries. The Prime Minister praised auctions on fishing quotas and reported that they bring much more revenues to the federal budget than expected. Budget earnings from fishing auctions are expected to reach about 6bn rubles ($203m) this year, Kasyanov stressed.