31 Aug 2009 15:51

Russia's computerization expenses about the same as in Europe

POKROV, Moscow region. Aug 31 (Interfax) - Russia's state computerization expenses are comparable to computerization expenses in European countries, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said.

"The state computerization expenses are absolutely comparable to the expenses of European countries," Medvedev said at a meeting addressing the modernization of the Russian economy on Monday.

This situation has its pluses and minuses, Medvedev said.

"In the proportion than can be used to compare Russia and Germany, we spend about the same percentage of the GDP, but the effectiveness of this spending is very low," Medvedev said.

"This situation is just unacceptable," he added.

Russia ranks between 60th and 70th on the international information readiness rating, Medvedev said. "We are very weak and, unfortunately, this rating is declining, even though we continue to invest money in [the sector]," he said.

The introduction of new information technologies, the accessibility of high-quality state services in this area, and the expansion of Internet access possibilities are the main indicators of the information development of society and a country's competitive power and level of comfort, Medvedev said.