Upon opening the meeting, Viktor Zubkov said: "The establishment of the group is a joint initiative of the government and producers of agricultural machinery. I think that with the government's involvement the working group is an ideal way for the government and businesses to cooperate. Our meetings will become regular.
"The main goal of the working group is to balance the interests of the agricultural sector and agricultural machine building. A list of the most urgent measures to support the producers of agricultural machinery was compiled.
"On the request of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, we will primarily look at the issues raised by the producers of agricultural machinery in their appeal to the prime minister.
"The government has repeatedly discussed these problems. A number of measures aimed at resolving them were taken. In particular, since 2009 the government has granted subsidies to agricultural producers for loans to purchase domestic equipment only. Within the anti-crises measures, Russian Agricultural Bank and Rosagroleasing finance the acquisition of Russian vehicles and equipment only. In 2009, Russian Agricultural Bank's capital was increased by 45 billion roubles and that of Rosagroleasing by 25 billion roubles. Regardless of the strict budget limits and following the appeal by farmers and producers of agricultural machinery, the Ministry of Agriculture was instructed to allocate the required funds for subsidising the technical modernisation of rural areas in 2010. However, there are complaints about the funds not actually reaching those in agriculture in the regions. I will ask the ministry to comment on the issue.
"It is necessary to consider means of increasing the financing for the technical modernisation of agriculture and related industries. We have reserves for that.
"Providing the agricultural sector with equipment and developing domestic production of agricultural machinery requires a systematic approach from the core departments and producers themselves.
"In the first place, I suggest discussing possible state support for exchanging the old agricultural machinery for new equipment. As you know, such a programme is being implemented in the auto industry. It has brought positive results. We should consider how we could use the experience gained in this field and proceed wisely and with the best possible economic effect.
"The government is actively using customs and tariff regulations, which proved to be effective. This practice will be continued.
"At the same time, the increase of customs duty rates for finished goods is justified only as a temporary measure. It is intended to stimulate the localisation of foreign companies' production in Russia rather than decrease the competition on the domestic market or prevent the introduction of latest innovative technologies.
"The government will continue to support the producers of agricultural machinery only on the condition that they provide villagers with high quality, effective and affordable equipment and services.
"Rosagroleasing will not buy any more equipment that is not in demand in agriculture. Today the company has to give considerable discounts for the leasing of stored agricultural machinery purchased without taking into account the wishes of the agricultural producers. This information is available on the company's web page."