The commission reviewed the Russian government's Basic Anti-recessionary Guidelines for 2010, focusing on the challenges of modernising and diversifying the economy, encouraging innovation and developing key high-tech industries and infrastructure. Several measures were also considered for ensuring social security and increasing employment, including by improving relevant programmes and by re-orientating said programmes towards long-term objectives.
In addition, the commission discussed measures to support both consumer and investment domestic demand. These measures will mostly apply to industries that affect domestic markets and have multiplier effects, such as the automotive industry and housing construction. Some of these measures, including the creation of the Export Insurance Agency, are also intended to support and diversify Russian exports.
The commission also recognised the importance of building up the foundations for economic growth by supporting small and medium-sized businesses and appropriated additional funds to this end. The commission issued directives to finalise a draft for the pertinent regulatory acts in 2010, after which said draft will be submitted for approval.
First Deputy Prime Minister Shuvalov stressed that "Housing construction and the development of small and medium-sized businesses are major projects that can support our economy."
The commission also reviewed progress in drafting programmes for modernising single-industry towns, touching on issues such as funding for these programmes and the role of development institutions. In the near future the commission will review plans for developing several single-industry towns from a previously selected list of 27 communities.
In accordance with the plan of operations that was approved for the first half of 2010, the sub-commission for the sustained development of the Russian economy, which is part of the government commission for economic development and integration, will study several issues, including improving the investment climate, attracting direct investment, transforming state-owned corporations, increasing energy efficiency, improving funding for infrastructure construction, etc.