Minister says Russia to be more careful with privatization in 2018

MOSCOW, Feb 7 (PRIME) -- The Russian government will be more cautious with privatization in 2018 because there is no longer a need to cover budget deficit, Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin said in a speech before legislators on Wednesday.

“We do not have an urgent task to finance budget gaps any longer. We will have budget surplus this year. This is why privatization today is an instrument to boost competition and a possibility for strategic development of some assets,” Oreshkin said.

The budget envisages a 13 billion ruble privatization income in 2018.

(57.2196 rubles – U.S. $1)

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