25 Nov 2009 12:54

Russia

MOSCOW. Nov 25 (Interfax) - Russia's trade with CIS countries in 2009 will drop by 45%-46%, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin said at a financial forum organized by the Russian business daily Vedomosti.

"With the CIS countries, Russia will lower trade in 2009 by 45%-46%. We are lowering trade with our nearest neighbors where our main partners are exporters," the minister said.

He added that although "the worst in the world and Russia has been overcome, there remains uncertainty on the markets." Kudrin said that the crisis had consequences not only in the financial sector but also on the country's economy having upset several sectors including automobile manufacturing, construction and retail.

Kudrin stressed that general world trade this year would decrease by 10%-11%.