Putin trampled Gref for high growth rate of imports to Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed concern in connection with the growth of imports to Russia.

At a meeting with government members on Monday, Putin drew the attention of the head of Herman Gref, that last year, the growth rate of imports was 28%. "This is too much. This is also the result of strengthening the national currency," Putin said.

For his part, Gref noted that "the growth rate of imports is not bad, it reduces inflation."

At the same time, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development recognized that in order to resolve issues related to imports, it is necessary to work in the field of customs administration. “We need to maintain normal conditions for competition,” the minister said.

He said that the government in 2006 intends to closely engage in the reform of customs administration in order to accept a detailed plan of action in this area during the year, Interfax reports.