All news

Kremlin says it is not considering idea of new privatization at the moment

Dmitry Peskov noted that "all economists, experts and respected participants in the economic life of the country and the banking sector discuss various topics related to accelerating the country's economic development" in the current conditions

MOSCOW, April 11. /TASS/. The Kremlin is not considering the idea to restart the privatization process in Russia, which was previously voiced by the head of VTB Andrey Kostin. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said this talking to reporters on Tuesday.

"This is not being discussed in the Kremlin," he said.

Nevertheless, the Kremlin spokesman noted that, "all economists, experts and respected participants in the economic life of the country and the banking sector discuss various topics related to accelerating the country's economic development" in the current conditions.

"Therefore, of course, one of the points of view that was presented by Kostin is very interesting. After all, he heads the second largest bank in Russia, and over the course of more than one decade he has gained enormous influence - in the banking sector and as an economist too," Peskov noted.

Earlier, in his column for RBC publication, Kostin voiced the opinion that the transfer of state property to private hands on transparent and market terms is a tool that had previously proven its effectiveness. The banker expressed confidence that the resumption of the privatization program would attract funds to the budget on market terms, and also "give a powerful impetus to clearing those bottlenecks where the willingness to take risks and make quick and unconventional decisions is especially important today.".