27 November 2003 10:55
Russian premier notes need for absolute clarity in state property policy
Moscow, 27 November: Small and medium-sized businesses and processing sectors of the economy must play a key role in
the privatization of state property.
The chairman of the Russian government, Mikhail Kasyanov, said this today when opening a meeting of the Cabinet of
Ministers, which intends to consider measures to improve the effectiveness of using state property.
In Kasyanov's view, handing state property over into the hands of other owners should take place "in an
open and transparent way and should include ensuring access to these enterprises for small and medium-sized
organizations".
Apart from that, Kasyanov noted, the government needs to complete the formation of a general register of state
property. So far there isn't one.
In his words, it is also necessary to work out principles and criteria according to which it would be possible
accurately to determine whether "the state needs this or that enterprise or if it can be in the hands of other
owners".
Kasyanov also reported that, during the meeting, questions would be considered on the more effective management of
those enterprises and shares which, as already determined, "should be in state ownership forever".
The prime minister noted that it is essential to determine "how to deal with them correctly and how to conduct
dividend policy correctly so as to obtain the essential income".
He stressed that the correct management of state property "has an infrastructure significance, ensuring the
development of the entire economy".
Kasyanov added: "Everybody should know what the state is guided by in conducting a policy in the sphere of state
enterprises, including tariffs and services."
[ITAR-TASS news agency] |
RUSSIA IN FACTS
