Manturov to seek technological sovereignty in certain industrial sectors as Russian Deputy PM

MOSCOW. July 15 (Interfax) - Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov, who has been nominated for Deputy Prime Minister, has described the technological sovereignty of certain Russian industrial sectors as one of his primary objectives.

"The external pressure we have been experiencing has a certain, additional footprint on our work, programs and strategy. Clearly, we should stay united, so to say, "we are in the same boat," if we want to achieve tangible results," Manturov said at a meeting of the United Russia faction presidium on Friday.

First and foremost, this is essential for the areas which need additional points of growth, Manturov said. "I mean the achievement of technological sovereignty in the import substitution programs where we have done a lot since 2014, when more attention was given to the issue at every level," he said.

"No one proposed or aimed to shut everyone out and develop every sector independently, so, more ambitious goals and tasks have been declared by the President and the Prime Minister in a number of areas today as a matter of national security," Manturov said.

"I am asking you to consider and support as much as possible the initiatives coming from our agencies and the government so that we can achieve the ultimate goal of our technological sovereignty together," he said.

Later on Friday, the State Duma will discuss Manturov's confirmation as Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Industry and Trade Minister.