“In the budget for 2010, we have maintained or even increased spending on basic medical programmes, meaning the national project ‘Health,’ provision of free medicines for persons entitled to benefits and maternity certificate payments. Grants-in-aid to the regions for compulsory medical insurance will also not be reduced. I am counting that the constituent entities of the Federation will, in turn, guarantee unconditional fulfilment of their obligations is such a sensitive area for our people.”

The two men discussed progress on the Ust-Luga projects and plans for a new project for the Far Eastern Shipbuilding Centre.

“I think we should improve mechanisms of cooperation, of our interaction with foreign investors. This is a hot topic, given the state of affairs in the global economy and the experience we have accumulated in cooperation with our partners in recent years. These new mechanisms should be based on this rich cooperation experience, as well as on sincere relations and mutual trust. Clearly, we must seek more transparency and less bureaucracy.”

After repeated consideration of new export customs duties on nickel it was decided to set duties at 5% of customs value from December 1, 2009.

"At present, nearly all the leading countries are trying to determine their place in the post-crisis world. Russia is also facing this task. I believe that Russia can not only strengthen its traditional competitive advantages, for example, in energy, metallurgy, chemicals, transport, and now also in agriculture, but also greatly enhance the role of its high-tech innovation sector."

They discussed the Russian regions’ winter preparations.