PSKOV, August 16. /TASS/. The gap in social-economic indicators of different regions of Russia should be narrowed by developing the lagging regions, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Tuesday.
He said that even in the current economic situation, some regions show growth, while others cannot quickly adapt to the new conditions.
"Of course, we need all together to level out socio-economic indicators across the country. It is quite difficult to do this in view of the fact that our country is very big and economic conditions, human conditions, a demographic situation in our regions are different," the premier said.
"Nevertheless, we must reduce the gap between the regions by means of an accelerated development of those (regions) that are lagging behind," he added.
Medvedev said that in an ideal situation "each region should earn its income by itself."
He drew attention to the regions without oil and gas that managed to attract investments including foreign funds.
This approach to development may vary, the premier said adding that while the Pskov region for example has "unique historical monuments", other regions may find other points of growth.
"But there are also common recipes for all regions. They imply, of course, that we have to learn how to spend money," the premier said urging the need to optimize costs.
According to Medvedev, this optimization may first of all imply "raising effectiveness of public administration."
He also called for focusing resources on the most important projects and to seek new opportunities to replenish the budget.