Official sees share of energy industry in economy dn to 15% 2015 from 22%
The share of the oil and gas industry in Russia's economy is expected to fall to 15.1% by 2015
from the current 22.1%, Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister Andrei Sharonov said at an investment conference Monday.
That is expected to happen due to a larger share of the high-tech industry, he added.
Russian officials since the 1990s have called for decreasing the country's dependence on the oil and gas industry and developing the high-tech industry.
However, the share of the energy industry in Russia's gross domestic product has increased since then due to soaring oil and gas prices and it is still the backbone of the country's economy.
The idea of developing the manufacturing and high-tech industries, as opposed to the energy sector, was reiterated by President Vladimir Putin during a speech in February.
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Ukraine and Russia approve long-term cooperation program
Ukraine and Russia have reached an agreement on an economic cooperation program and action plan for 2008-2010.
The Ukrainian Economy Ministry's press office reported following the Ukrainian-Russian intergovernmental commission's economic cooperation committee secretariat meeting on Thursday.
The corresponding documents will be signed at a committee meeting on Friday.
Preliminary agreements provide for resolving issues with supplies of Ukraine's cold-rolled flat products to Russia's customs territory, as well as enhancing and furthering interstate industrial cooperation.
The sides noted mutual constructiveness, understanding and readiness for continued efficient cooperation.
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