Russian Premier: It is necessary to consolidate positive trends in economy

The Russian government should consolidate positive trends in economy in the second half of 2002 in order to boost its development in 2003-2004, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said, opening a regular government meeting on Thursday.

The specification of governmental plans of action on the implementation of basic provisions of the middle-term programme of Russia's social-economic development and the specified plan of legislative activities for the second half of 2002 are on the agenda of the meeting.

According to Kasyanov, the principal economic goal is to increase labour productivity and develop competition.