Gazprom not planned for inclusion in privatization list - Dvorkovich
MOSCOW. June 27 (Interfax) - The Russian government does not plan to privatize Gazprom , president aide Arkady Dvorkovich told journalists.
"There has been no discussion about Gazprom. Gazprom has a large infrastructure component. I don't think there will be any rush here," Dvorkovich said.
Commenting on the expanded privatization program, Dvorkovich said that for the most part the expanded program changes the size of the stakes that will be offered in companies already on the list. "I have in mind Rosneft , VTB and others," he said, adding that he did would not go into detail.
The state does not need controlling stakes in competitive companies, he said. The state's stake in such companies and industries will be privatized more aggressively, with the state's participation ultimately declining to zero. "Where there is no competition, I mean infrastructure, everything connected with the state's defense security, state control is not a serious hindrance to operations, to investment. It might remain for a long time, perhaps forever," he said.
The government is to submit a revised privatization schedule before August 1. Speaking of specific companies, he said Transneft would be privatized in the amount announced previously. "I don't think there will be an expansion here. That is also an infrastructure company, in which preferred shares circulate on the market. Some kind of movement is possible, but there is no talk of the state surrendering control," he said.
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