President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Oreshkin, how long have you been working as Deputy Finance Minister now?
Maxim Oreshkin: Practically two years.
Vladimir Putin: Two years. Before this, you were…
Maxim Oreshkin: Department Director at the Finance Ministry, and before that, I was in banking, at VTB and the international bank.
Vladimir Putin: You are an economist by training.
Maxim Oreshkin: Yes.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Oreshkin, you have not been working for very long, but it is already quite a while, and your work has produced results. I would like to offer you the post of Economic Development Minister.
Maxim Oreshkin: I accept.
Vladimir Putin: Good.
In your view, what is the biggest priority in the ministry you are to head?
Maxim Oreshkin: Looking at the Russian economy today, I think the situation could be summed up as follows: the worst is behind us now, but growth rates are still insufficient. Our biggest task for the coming year therefore is to prepare the key measures that will remove structural barriers to our economy’s growth and enable us to move forward.
Vladimir Putin: How should we do this?
Maxim Oreshkin: There are many limiting factors. We will start the work and set out a detailed plan.
Vladimir Putin: Mr Oreshkin, you are quite young, but you already have experience. You are a competent and mature professional. I wish you luck.
Maxim Oreshkin: Thank you.
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