Putin urges expanded use of electronic certificates for food products
VORONEZH. Oct 13 (Interfax) - Expanded use of electronic certificates is the most effective means to combat trade in sanctions-busting food products, President Vladimir Putin said.
"Unfortunately, only a small number are currently issued - 9 million a month - but it needs to be 300 million," Putin said at a meeting in Voronezh on development of Russia's agricultural sector.
"Two challenges emerge: it is necessary for the capacity of this system to suffice [increase in the number of electronic certificates issued], this needs to be thought out in advance; and if there is a need to take preventive steps, then they must be made now," he said. "Otherwise we will be confronted with rising volumes and the system itself cannot cope," Putin said.
The second component of the problem is territorial, he said.
"I would like to bring to the attention of the heads of Russia's regions: much depends on you here; you have been assigned the bulk of the work. In some regions the work is proceeding, in others - almost nothing. I ask you to turn attention to this and speed up the resolution of this task [introduction of electronic certificates]," Putin said.