A set of measures to develop Russia's metallurgic sector approved

The Russian government approved a set of measures to develop the country's metallurgic sector for the period until 2010. Upon the completion of the government session, Minister of Industry, Science and Technology Ilya Klebanov told journalists that a plan of specific actions to implement these measures will be worked out before July 1. As a result of implementation of measures approved by the government, production volume in the sector should grow by 30 percent by the year 2010, the minister said. Klebanov explained that this will include three main directions: operation in foreign markets, operation in the domestic market, and scientific ensurance. The employment of people released from metallurgical production as a result of new technology introduction will be a separate issue. According to an estimate provided by the Ministry of Industry, Science and Technology, by 2010 the number of people employed in the sector will drop by 350,000. A federal programme will be developed for their support. The programme will come into force tentatively since 2004.