17 Sep 2010 13:27

Budget deficit could narrow to 5.3% GDP or below in 2010

SOCHI. Sept 17 (Interfax) - Russia's federal budget deficit could narrow to 5.3% of GDP or even below this year, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at an investment forum in Sochi.

The deficit was 5.9% of GDP in 2009, Putin said.

"This year we expect it to narrow to 5.3%, perhaps even a little below," he said.