At the meeting the draft state defence order for 2009 and for the planning period of 2010 and 2011, as well as proposed budget allocations for the operation of Russia’s military organisation until 2020, were brought under discussion.

“None of the planned sites is being abandoned,” Mr Kozak said. At the same time he said that the Government will be reviewing the estimated construction cost of the projects due to the reduction in prices for construction and raw materials.

The meeting discussed preparations for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

During the conference Mr Zubkov gave the Transport Ministry and the Agriculture Ministry one week to develop and submit proposals to the Government on moving grain surpluses from the Central District to other regions.

Mr Putin and Ms Golikova discussed adoption of a new salary payment system.

The meeting decided to extend the treaties that assign quotas of capelin catches earlier concluded with users.

“Based on accumulated economic and political potential, we can and must reach new horizons and take advantage of this global instability to become stronger and more competitive. We must use the crisis as a tool to boost our efficiency.”

Opening the meeting Mr Zubkov stressed that the preservation and effective use of this year’s harvest was a priority considering the situation in the world financial and food markets.

"It is important to make sure that construction companies comply with all required rules and laws in dealing with the funds of citizens who invested in the construction."