Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the delegates and guests of the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Regional Banks of Russia

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sent his greetings to the delegates and guests of the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Regional Banks of Russia

The telegram reads, in part:
"Your Association comprises over 400 banks and banking organisations, which are working in Russia's regions and play a considerable part in their socio-economic development.
"In the current difficult conditions created by the global financial crisis, we put increased demands on the efficiency of Russia's banking sector.
"The state has provided and will continue to provide requisite assistance to the country's financial and credit system. At the same time, we expect it to take effective measures to promote lending to the real economy sector, small and medium-sized businesses, and individuals. It is also important to ensure the sustained development of the banking institutions and enhance the affordability and quality of their services."