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Novorossiisk Sea Port privatisation may be possible before yearend

As of today, quite ready are several state packets of different companies

MOSCOW, October 6 (Itar-Tass) —— Privatisation of the Novorossiisk sea port is possible before the yearend, and that of Sovkomflot – in the first quarter of 2013, a high-ranking governmental official told reporters.

In early September, Russia’s Minister of Economic Development Andrei Belousov did not rule out privatisation of some state-owned assets may be postponed to spring of 2013. “We have never fixed exact timing for privatisation of certain companies,” the minister said. “We have been saying that it would depend on the international situation, on terms, opportunities, and so forth. As of today, quite ready are several state packets of different companies.” Belousov continued saying they are SG Trans, Apatit, Sovkomflot, the Novorossiisk Port, and Sberbank. He added that if all of the mentioned packets are sold during the current year, the privatisation data would be close to that planned in the budget. “I mean, then the figures may make about 150-200 billion,” the minister said. “But I am sure some packets would be sold in spring or winter.”

Belousov stressed if the situation in international markets is getting worse, the state is most likely to suspend selling the packets. “The government cannot be selling companies for pennies,” he concluded.