31 Jul 2009 15:54

Russian regional development program to be slashed 20% in 2010

KHABAROVSK. July 31 (Interfax) - Russia's regional development program will be slashed by 20% in 2010, Regional Development Minister Viktor Basargin told journalists in Khabarovsk on Friday.

He said the reduction next year would be less than it was this year.

About 17 billion rubles will be allocated for Far Eastern regions in 2010, he said. This figure does not include preparations for the Asian-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

A new program will be implemented for Ingushetia next year under which the republic will receive 1.5 billion rubles, he said.