Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Hannover Fair 2005, Vladimir Putin stressed that talks of an alleged re-examination of privatisation in Russia are unfounded. Already, preparations are underway for the privatisation of around 3,500 joint-stock companies and 8,000 state enterprises.
The President confirmed Russia’s ability and readiness to pay its debts ahead of schedule to creditors from the Paris Club, including the Federal Republic of Germany, a major creditor. Mr Putin also said that by 2007, Russia, would be prepared for full currency liberalisation – to remove all restrictions on carrying out capital transactions.
The Russian Federation expects standard conditions for joining the WTO and the commencement of talks on joining the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development, the President stressed.