Published: February 19th, 2015

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation for industry, First Vice-President of the Union of machine builders of Russia Vladimir Gutenev expects that Moscow Economic Forum (MEF), which will be held on 25-26 March 2015, will force the Russian government to respond to the expert opinions, that will sound during the event.

"All previous economic forums gave a very serious intellectual result, but, unfortunately, we cannot say that the government took advantages of it. It seems to me that the time has come when the opinion of a qualified expert community should not only be considered, but should also be used in the interests of the country", - Vladimir Gutenev said.

In his opinion, conclusions of professionals are extremely important now, as the situation in the Russian economy is quite alarming. "I believe that the steps that are taken at the anti-crisis front, are not effective enough. There is a great imbalance in volumes of support of the real sector of the economy, which is underfunded and has no access to affordable and long-term money, and excess preferences for the banking sector, which does not properly form the instrument, ensuring conditions for the dynamic development of the country. Thus, it seems to me, further adjustment of not only financial-economic but of fiscal unit is needed," – Gutenev emphasized.

He noted that in connection with the reduction of oil in Russia programs of import substitution and costs reduction should be more effectively developed. However, he believes that both oil producing and oil-servicing companies should lower costs.

"We have a significant export potential in favorable for our industry conditions. The state's task is to prevent the growth of tariffs of natural monopolies. Also, the business in the field of metallurgy should not focus on the prices of the London metal exchange, because the wages they pay are not Western ones. They pay significant taxes in offshore zones. Therefore, I believe that the state should regulate appetites of oil tycoons. If comfortable conditions of crediting are also provided, I am absolutely sure that import substitution programs will be successfully implemented. This will reduce costs and increase sustainability of our oil and gas complex, and its competitiveness as well," - Gutenev said.

First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation for industry expressed confidence that in the current situation it is very profitable for banks to finance Russian production. "Unfortunately, the Central Bank, while implementing its policy, does not care about the growth of the Russian economy, and does not limit the margin on the use of the state aid that banks received. I am absolutely sure that it is necessary to link the trillion rubles, which is dedicated to maintain the banking system, with conditions of the margin limit and lending to the real sector. Thus this margin should not exceed 2-2,5%," - Vladimir Gutenev said.

He expressed confidence that the MEF will help to solve these problems.