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Russian business takes interest in privatization — minister

The list of companies for privatization in 2016 could be adopted within a few days

Alexey Ulyukayev Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS

Alexey Ulyukayev

© Stanislav Krasilnikov/TASS

MOSCOW, February 5. /TASS/. Russian business is taking interest in privatization, the Minister of Economic Development Alexey Ulyukayev said on Friday.

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"I’m aware of what Russian business is interested in. I cannot reveal details, but I’ve personally spoken with those who are interested," he said when answering the question whether any of Russian billionaires have interest in privatization.

The Russian Ministry of Economic Development has prepared and submitted to the government the list of companies for privatization in 2016.

"We have prepared a list," he said.

The minister said that he expected it to be adopted within few days.

Russian government considering privatization of Russian Railways

According to the official, Russia’s government is considering the issue of privatization of the Russian Railways state-owned railway monopoly.

"(The issue is) being discussed," he said.

On Thursday Ulyukayev said investors have a "great interest" in expanding the privatization program, adding that "Russian assets are currently greatly underappreciated, which creates additional demand." According to Ulyukayev, the volume of foreign investment is growing, although the rate of this growth is slower now.

Earlier the minister said Bashneft, Alrosa and Rosneft could be privatized first as those are public companies with listings, which means technically and legally they’re better than others prepared to privatization and are familiar to investors.

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