Meeting participants focused on the republic’s socioeconomic performance in the first quarter of this year and the implementation of federal social projects, in particular regarding increasing the salaries of doctors and teachers. One more issue on the agenda was the expediency of collecting personal income tax at the place of residence.
Mr Putin and Mr Khristenko discussed key areas of activity of the recently established Eurasian Economic Commission which, according to Viktor Khristenko, “has been fully operational since day one.” The prime minister inquired as to whether there were any difficulties in its work and whether the commission needed any assistance from the Russian government.
Mr Putin and Mr Kostin discussed a project that had previously been advanced by the prime minister, stipulating the buyback of VTB Bank shares from minority shareholders. The prime minister believes that the bank will become even more attractive after this move, “keeping in mind that you are meeting people halfway, and that you are not abandoning your minority shareholders in a difficult situation.”
Participants in the meeting discussed the results of the 20-year research programme. During that time, Russian scientists managed to drill vertically through the entire Antarctic glacier for the first time in history and to penetrate sub-glacial Lake Vostok.
The Moscow Mayor told Mr Putin that Moscow’s economy was showing signs of recovery. Investment has increased by 40%; unemployment is down significantly, and the demographic situation is improving. On the other hand, the cost of housing in Moscow remains too high. The Mayor placed special emphasis on the upgrading of the city’s transport infrastructure and on issues related to the healthcare system.