02 June 2004 01:22
Putin`s aide says rising tariffs, stronger rouble impede Russian GDP growth
Moscow, 2 June: The increasing tariffs of Russia's natural monopolies as well as the stronger rouble hamper
Russia's plans to double its gross domestic product (GDP), a Russian presidential adviser, Andrey Illarionov, told
reporters today.
The tariffs' increase, set by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry, would not allow GDP to double by
2010, or even by 2012, he noted.
The rouble appreciation in the recent four months, makes doubling GDP almost impossible, he said.
Russia's total GDP and GDP per capita could double by 2010 only if Russia retains its current economic growth,
Illarionov noted.
Due to the demonstrated economic growth and stable economy, Russia's government is able to make long-term
strategic forecasts, he said adding that in the 1990s it was possible only to make short-term forecasts due to economic
instability.
In January-April, the Russian rouble appreciated 5.3 per cent against the US dollar in real terms, while GDP grew by
8 per cent, according to the monitoring report by the Economic Development and Trade Ministry.
[Prime-TASS news agency] |
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