Speaking at the meeting, the First Deputy Prime Minister said that over the next 12 to 18 months, the Federal Antimonopoly Service should make significant progress in the opening of six key markets, including medicines, medical and educational services, communication services, air transport, and oil products. "We need to ensure progress in these six areas within the next 12 to 18 months. Please make appropriate assignments to the FAS regional offices," Mr Shuvalov instructed.

He reminded meeting participants that the government had identified these six markets as key sectors, where competition has to be intensified, and approved road maps for implementing these activities. This directive should see tangible results not just on paper, but for consumers as well.

Addressing the meeting, FAS Head Igor Artemyev said that today, the law on procurement of goods and services by companies and state-run corporations does not seem to be working and has to be tightened.

Igor Shuvalov agreed that legislation on state procurement by companies and state-run corporations should be tightened and amendments toward this end have to be adopted as early as at the spring session of the State Duma, together with the law On the Federal Contracting System.