"The socio-economic development program for the period till 2008 should set out the targets we must achieve by 2008. The objective of doubling GDP has not been removed from the agenda," the premier said on Wednesday at a government meeting that discussed a mid-term program for Russia's socio-economic development, for the period until 2008.
Mr. Fradkov pointed out several aspects of fundamental importance related to efforts to implement the program. The premier, for example, emphasized that the program must work in with the president's state of the nation address and the basic areas of the government's activities.
"The address set out national objectives that must be ensured by the government, while the mid-term program stipulates the country's major development priorities," said Mr. Fradkov.
Overcoming technological backwardness and ensuring new competitive advantages for the Russian economy are the major objectives under the program, according to the premier. Mr. Fradkov believes industries, as well as individual enterprises and business based, among other things, on private and state partnership, must make their contribution to the country's economic development.
"While discussing the macroeconomic policy, we must not forget about the microlevel, Russian enterprises must make their contribution to economic growth," said the premier.
Mr. Fradkov said the program was being considered at the meeting along with the plan for the government's lawmaking activities in 2005 and the schedule of government meetings that would take place in the first half of 2005.
"This is not fortuitous. These activities must complement each other, and in a broader context they can be seen as a guide for action," said Mr. Fradkov.
Mr. Fradkov said they could not afford to delay the discussions of these issues. "We must finish drafting the program and coordinate it with the major aspects of the government's lawmaking activities and meeting schedule," said Mr. Fradkov.
