Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has noted great progress in Russia
since the break-up of the Soviet Union, RIA Novosti reports.
The country accumulated $300 billion of foreign investments. Some of
the main investors are pharmacy and energy companies.
The country improved internet access. Russian internet companies
launched many IPO projects worth tens of billions of dollars.
Russia achieved success in space by launching the GLONASS.
The country may join the WTO this year.
The president noted that they adjusted the minimal payment for social
insurance for 2012. The payment rate dropped from 34% to 30% and to
20% for small businesses.
Oil and gas will be used to cope with inflation. The economic rise in
Asia, conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa and the Japanese
catastrophe had increased oil prices.
The president proposed harsher measures for functionaries violating
the law and involved in corruption.
Medvedev talked about the visa-free regime with the EU. A lot depends
on the EU partners in the issue. Improving the visa regime would
benefit businesses of both states, especially businessmen involved in
the Skolkovo innovative center.
