Vladimir Putin's introductory remarks:
Good afternoon, colleagues,
Recently we have been coming back again and again to touch upon an issue of major importance: saving state resources when allocating federal funds for large infrastructure projects, specifically construction projects, such as Olympic facilities, infrastructure facilities for the APEC summit in the Far East and for junior sports competition in Kazan, as well as other major infrastructure facilities. In this regard, I would also like to discuss measures to keep the prices down.
This applies to the numerous projects funded by Vnesheconombank. It is necessary that the best world engineering and project management practices be applied to them.
In line with standard international practice, I suggest setting up a joint agency with one of the leading global companies to carry out an expert analysis of design documentation and to monitor construction progress, and, if necessary, to clamp down on inappropriate and ineffective fund expenditure practices.
We are also going to consider a number of investment projects and to discuss the bank's ongoing work.
Let's get down to today's agenda.