Russian Post discussing return to state support
MOSCOW. Sept 19 (Interfax) - Russian Post is interested in receiving financial and other support from the state, the state company's head Nikolai Podguzov told reporters.
"The support of the state is important for us. If we have it, we will work better," Podguzov said, adding that he had in mind regulatory and financial support.
A dialog with the government on this score is already underway, he said.
Russian Post strategists had previously stipulated development of the company without state investment.
The company is unlikely to receive budget money next year. "Not likely, considering where the budget process is located now," Podguzov said concerning the possibility of including subsidies in the 2018 budget.
Russian Post is a public-oriented company "that represents that state where no one represents it," he said. "I believe that it is necessary to have the possibility of state support as well," he said, adding that this primarily concerns operations in remote regions, where provision of commercial services is unprofitable.
Russian Post last received federal budget money in 2014, which was allocated to offset losses from distribution of periodicals, for providing services at public access points, and expenses connected with operations by the Russian Post's divisions in the Far North.