Official website of the President of Russia

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The message of greetings reads, in part:

“The annual meeting of leading bankers and experts from around the world provides you with an opportunity to discuss the most topical issues in the banking industry, exchange experiences and strengthen partnerships. The theme chosen for this year – Growth and Stability of the Banking System: Searching for Optimum – is very much in demand in the present circumstances.

By taking timely and effective measures, Russia managed to minimise the negative impact of the global financial crisis and to ensure the stability of its banking sector. Now it is important not to reduce the credits available to the real economy, the housing loan programmes and small and medium-sized businesses. We must restore investors’ confidence in both the banks and our national currency. And of course we need to increase the reliability and social responsibility of banks and strengthen their financial discipline.

I hope that your ideas and initiatives will help to improve the competitiveness of Russian banks. This will in turn help us address the key challenges of economic and social development.”