Russian exports to decline by $190 bln 2009
12:54, 9 July 2009
ULAN-UDE. July 9. KAZINFORM The total value of Russian exports will drop by $190 billion in 2009, while imports will decrease by $100 billion, the country's finance minister said on Thursday, Kazinform cites RIA Novosti.
"Export revenues will decline by $190 billion," Alexei Kudrin said at an international economic conference on the role of Siberia and the Far East in global development.
Kudrin said this was due to lower demand and falling prices for Russia's exports, which are primarily oil, gas and commodities.
The minister urged the government to encourage diversification in the economy, Kazinform refers to RIA Novosti.
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