Commission members decided to raise import duties on live pigs and pre-packed tropical oils. Palm oil supplied in bulk for commercial processing will be imported duty-free, while coconut oil duty rate will be set at 5%.

"Despite the problems created by the economic crisis, mortgages remain one of the most effective and affordable means of buying housing in many countries. Russians also took advantage of the opportunities presented to them by mortgage loans. The volume of mortgage lending has grown severalfold since 2005, when we launched the programme."

“The situation in this market is not simple. A large portion of alcohol sales are outside government control. The damage inflicted by illegal alcohol is obvious, be it on people’s health or on the budget,” said Mr Zubkov.

“We have gathered here in Kolomna today to discuss the problems of the defence industry. But since I am here I have asked you to join me to discuss the issues connected with the work of the Kolomna Diesel Locomotive Plant.”

"Since the beginning of the crisis, we have allocated ample funds to the defence industry, one of the government’s top priorities for support. In 2009, the defence industry received a total of 970 billion roubles, an unprecedented sum in the history of modern Russia."

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin looked at stands with missiles, active protection systems for tanks and remote-controlled weapons, modern army and navy munitions, and the latest individual equipment kits for servicemen.

“The scale, the territory, the population, and natural resources are inalienable components of a great power. Had we seen the meaning of this phrase better and not reduced it to a cliché, we would probably have been more careful with what we have inherited from the previous generations of Russians, all citizens of Russia, who lived in this territory and worked hard to accumulate the wealth which we are using now and which we must protect.”

Mr Zhukov said in his address: “The implementation of national projects proceeded productively in the first three quarters of 2009.” He said improvements in demographic statistics were evidence of projects’ effectiveness.

“Russian schools needs talented, open-minded teachers who see their mission as developing every pupil’s gifts to the utmost.”