Increasing scale of privatization being considered
MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - The list of state-owned companies to be privatized in Russia has not been finalized, but the scale of privatization might be increased, Economic Development Minister Elvira Nabiullina said.
"Actually, we are considering the matter of speeding up, of increasing the scale of privatization and discussion are now about what specific companies will be suggested for privatization," Nabiullina told the press Thursday after a government meeting.
The list of enterprises in line for privatization has not yet been finalized, she said. "But that will be done before the draft budget is submitted to the State Duma," she said.
Privatization is on the cards for major companies, possibly including banks and fuel and energy sector companies, Nabiullina said.
"We are proceeding as if privatization should not just be of a fiscal nature and not so oriented toward making revenue for the budget, although it is very important to sell assets with maximum return, but privatization for us is in large part an opportunity to influence the structure of the economy," Nabiullina said.
"There is excess government share in domestic sectors," she said.