All news

Russia offers four issues for APEC presidency

To remedy the situation it is proposed to create a special mechanism under the aegis of the World Bank

HONOLULU, November 11 (Itar-Tass) —— During its 2012 presidency in APEC Russia will offer for discussion four major financial issues, according to the head of the international relations department of the finance ministry, Andrei Bokarev.

They include enhanced financial literacy of the population, improved financial education, development of treasury systems of APEC countries and their long-term financial stability, and financial aspects in overcoming the aftermath of natural calamities and emergency situations. The latter issue was prompted by the latest cataclysms in Japan and Thailand, Bokarev told reporters on Thursday.

He said the first issue continues the discussion held under the current U.S. presidency in APEC. However Washington speaks about access to financial services for the most vulnerable groups of the population. “It is true and correct, but in Russia we believe it is first necessary to educate people how to use such services and explain related risks and obligations,” Bokarev said.

Another issue taken over from American presidency is the financing of infrastructure and the development of state-private partnership. “APEC countries acknowledge the achieved success is modest in the sphere,” he said. To remedy the situation it is proposed to create a “special mechanism under the aegis of the World Bank.”

Bokarev admitted the infrastructure issue is of significance for Russia as it so far lags behind APEC partners in the quality of infrastructure in logistics and transportation spheres.