Putin wants Russia to become one of top 5 world economies

Russia has the goal of becoming one of the world's top five largest
economies. Yet, this is unachievable using mineral exports alone,
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at the First Social
Business Forum, RIA Novosti reports.

Russia will achieve the goal in 10 years, he said. The GDP per capita
must be lifted from the current $19,700 to $35,000 and above.

Putin said that almost half of budget finances come from about 700
companies of operating in mineral export. The mineral market,
regardless of prices, may not be the growth booster. And it does not
allow the human capital to reach standards of the 21st century.

The prime minister believes that the country needs to be more
resistant to "foreign shocks" and needs to strengthen its state
sovereignty using technological independence.

Vladimir Putin believes that 25 million workplaces will open in 15
years via modernization of production and opening new enterprises. The
government, business and society need to unite efforts.

The premier noted the more workplaces will benefit taxing and give
more resources for social development.

Doubling production in 10 years is a goal directly interconnected with
the living standards and social condition of citizens. Productivity
increase means that inefficient low-paid jobs requiring unskilled
labor will be reduced.