Education reform, the purchase of land on which privatised enterprises are located and the conditions for Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation were the main issues discussed.
Mr Putin said that the Government is preparing a decision on introducing an education loans system. The Education and Science Ministry is currently completing work on the rules and regulations for state support for this system. The President called on the business community to join forces with the state to help develop education institutions, above all beginning and mid-level professional and vocational education establishments. Mr Putin said that a ratings system for evaluating universities’ performance should also be developed.
The President said he supports the compromise solution reached by the Government and entrepreneurs to the issue of privatised companies purchasing the land on which they are located. Mr Putin also warned, however, of the possibility of cunning schemes for buying land at low prices and involving moving enterprises from inside large cities to outside city limits and then ceasing production activities.
Commenting on the question of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation, the President said that the United States is artificially holding back this process. Mr Putin said that Russia would join the WTO only terms beneficial for its economy.