Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sends a message of greetings to delegates and guests of the 21st Congress of the Association of Russian Banks
The message says, in parts:
"The congress of the Association of Russian Banks has always been a major and considerable event for Russia's business community, which unites business leaders, government officials and experts to discuss the most urgent current issues and prospects of the country's banking sector.
"The congress agenda includes the expansion of financing for the economy's real sector, boosting the effectiveness of investment projects, improving such bank products in demand as consumer, housing and education loans. In present conditions, with the effects of the global economic crisis still affecting Russia, the government will continue to support the country's banks. We, in turn, expect the banking community to make active efforts and engage in programmes for modernising national economy, developing the high-tech sector, introducing innovations and stimulating small and medium-sized businesses."
