Russia's economy competitiveness almost not progressing

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev is disappointed over weak competitiveness of the Russian economy. Opening a government meeting, considering, among others, the issues of developing competition in the country, the prime minister said that the Russian economy remains weak in the sphere of competition. “Simplification of licensing procedures, ensuring equal access to energy resources, infrastructure, reduction of excessive state facilities - the work in all these spheres is underway, the roadmaps, programs are adopted, but frankly, there have been no significant changes so far,” Medvedev said, adding what it is the assessment of the majority of entrepreneurs and experts. According to Medvedev, Russia’s anti-monopoly legislation is quite strict, but the competition is still weak. “Problems remain in commodity markets and also in the sphere of natural monopolies and government procurement,” the RF government head emphasised. Administrative barriers also remain, there is limited access to transport infrastructure. In addition, according to Medvedev, the licensing procedures are very difficult and costly. “Both small and medium-sized businesses, and also all who use the corresponding state system, suffer from such restrictions,” the RF government head said. The prime minister stressed again that the Russian economy competitiveness remains at a low level. “It rests largely on the inflated prices, on the investments that far from always find application and on poor technological development,” Medvedev emphasised. However, Medvedev stressed that the government is making efforts to change this situation and put the economy on a competitive footing. “Certainly competition should be promoted in the sectors that affect the interests of the majority of our citizens, this also applies to the quality of living - I mean the housing and public utilities services, public transportation, telecommunications services, medical services, and a number of other sphere,” the prime minister said. Touching upon the issue of competitive environment in Russia’s regions, the prime minister said it is different and depends largely on the position of the leaders of the territories. He called for analysing the best practices and developing successful experience in boosting competition in various regions of the country.