PM urges government to boost economy

The forecast for Russia's economic development in the medium term should be brought into line with the government's plan of action, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov said at a government meeting today. A scenario for the country's social and economic development for 2005 and up to 2007 was discussed at the meeting. "Each minister should see his duties regarding economic development and take effective measures to implement them," Fradkov said. This was particularly important in the light of the administrative reform, he stressed. According to him, new federal agencies and services "should provide conditions for the effective work of the government and the economy as a whole".

The Prime Minister congratulated the heads of federal agencies and services on their appointment. He called on them to work effectively on raising the competitiveness of the Russian economy.