265-bln-ruble state guarantees to be granted to 26 defense plants in 2013 - Medvedev
GORKI. May 27 (Interfax) - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said he had ordered 40 state guarantees valued at 265 billion rubles to be granted for loans taken by defense plants in 2013.
"The resolution stipulates 40 state guarantees valued at 265 billion rubles for loans taken by 26 defense plants this year," Medvedev told his deputies on Monday.
He said that would allow defense plants to take loans and fulfill contracts in the case of a shortage of defense funds and the absence of other options, he said.
"Two guarantees will be granted to the Khrunichev Center. The guarantee will be valid for the executor of works," the prime minister said.
Medvedev said he signed the directive on May 23. "In fact, that was the first decision to grant state guarantees this year," he emphasized.
"Certainly, fulfillment of defense orders remains a task of state significance. The whole government, not just the defense block, is working on it," the prime minister said.
Efficiency and timely fulfillment of defense orders are essential, he added.
Investment in the defense sector has an influence on other industries, he said.
"In fact, the defense sector helps allies' industries pull through," Medvedev said.