Russian economy remains open, unafraid of competition — minister
MOSCOW, February 17. /TASS/. The Russian economy remains open, unafraid of competition and ready to continue strengthening multifaceted cooperation, Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov said.
"[Russia] remains an open economy, and for boosting trade and investment we will continue expanding the chain of our free trade agreements, we are not afraid of competition," he said.
Moscow will continue strengthening multifaceted cooperation, the minister noted, adding that this includes the protection of Russia’s interests in the World Trade Organization, as well as within the Paris Agreement.
"Last year we seriously stepped up cooperation with African countries. As part of Russia’s BRICS presidency, issues of cooperation on trade, tourism, the climate agenda, technologies were promoted. This is important considering the fact that the integration today is one of the most promising global markets. By 2030, BRICS will account for around 40% of economy, while the [share of the] Western block will equal 27%," he stressed.
The strengthening of cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is regarded by the ministry as one of the factors of the Russian economy’s stability, Reshetnikov added. "It ensures not only a single economic environment for exports and investments, but supplies we need as well," he concluded.
