VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
Vladimir Putin's introductory remarks:
Good afternoon,
Let's get started. The main item of today's agenda is the discussion of the energy industry's investment programme for 2010.
The recent tragedy, the accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya Hydroelectric Power Plant, is another obvious reminder of the fact that we must pay particular attention to energy safety. In a broader context, we must focus on technological production standards, which remain inadmissibly low. We have to pay for our negligence with money and, unfortunately, with human lives.
Everyone involved in building, operating and maintaining such unique facilities must draw the necessary conclusions from this accident.
Naturally, the Sayano-Shushenskaya hydropower plant must be completely restored. We will finalise deadlines, stages of the reconstruction work and sources of funding in the near future.
And now I would like to discuss the energy industry's investment programme in general.
The programme prioritises reliable energy supplies and construction of new modern power plants. Notably, state-controlled companies must commission about two gWt of power-generating facilities in 2010. Private investors who have bought into the energy industry during the reform of utility giant Unified Energy Systems (UES) are planning to build another 3.8 gWt of power-generating facilities.
The new owners of power-generating companies have pledged to implement investment development programmes and must, naturally, put them into practice.
As you remember, energy shortages were a major problem for our rapidly growing industry in the past few years.
We must prevent this scenario from repeating itself at the new stage of post-crisis reconstruction. The Ministry of Energy predicts a rise in energy demand in 2010, and an even greater rise in 2011 and 2012.
I would like to draw your attention to another item of our agenda, the expanded intra-CIS cultural ties.
In May 2006, we signed an agreement with our CIS colleagues on establishing a special Cultural Cooperation Foundation.
I would like to note that the Foundation has become an outstanding aspect of CIS cultural life in the past three years. Dozens of publishing and museum projects have been implemented. The Foundation has some interesting ideas on education, science, support for the media, sports, tourism and youth policies.
In the long run, our countries are mostly united by a shared history and cultural heritage, a common information space, science and sports ties.
This is why Russia has invariably supported and will continue to support expanded contacts between CIS nations and is ready to create the most favourable climate for the successful performance of the Cultural Cooperation Foundation.
The discussion of an action plan to introduce electronic state functions, or the so-called e-Government, is the next item of our agenda.
This implies the use of the Internet's potential for submitting applications, receiving various documents, reference materials, registering pension and benefit applications, receiving essential information and many other similar services being used by hundreds of thousands and even millions of our citizens on a daily basis.
Tough IT introduction deadlines will be stipulated for each state function.
Naturally, everything must be accomplished in line with top standards. The people must receive truly convenient access to electronic services.
More Information
