Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government to prepare additional measures to stimulate economic growth against the backdrop of weakening economic dynamics, TASS and Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
At a meeting on economic issues, the head of state said that he expects specific proposals to revive the Russian economy, support business initiatives and improve the employment structure in favor of more productive sectors with high added value.
Putin noted that the dynamics of macroeconomic indicators remain below expectations, including compared to the forecasts of the government and the central bank. According to him, Russia's gross domestic product decreased by 1.8 percent in January and February.
Among the reasons for the weakening of economic activity, he cited calendar and seasonal factors, but stressed that they were not the only explanation for the weaker business and investment activity.
The president also emphasized the need to maintain sustainable state finances and a balanced budget, including in an unstable external economic environment.
At the same time, Putin pointed out that the unemployment rate remains low - around 2.1 percent, which, according to him, reflects changes in the labor market, including the expansion of flexible and platform forms of employment.
The government has already prepared a plan for structural changes in the economy, the implementation of which has begun, and it is expected to be supplemented with new measures to stimulate growth.