199 Russian companies listed for state aid: Russia’s Ministry for Economic Development yesterday published a list of 199 major companies that it considers of strategic importance and therefore eligible for state aid. The list includes
- Aerospace: United Rocket and Space Corporation (URSC)
- Agribusiness & Fertilisers: Rusagro, Uralkali and Acron
- Airlines: Siberia Airlines, Ural Airlines, UTAir, Aeroflot and Transaero
- Airports: Domodedovo, Pulkovo and Sheremetyevo
- Automotive: KamAZ, Renault and Sollers
- Construction & Real Estate: Inteko, SU 155
- Energy: Rosatom, Rossetti, Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosneft, Novatek and Transneft
- Metals & Mining: Severstal, Evraz, Alrosa, Mechel, Rusal and Norilsk Nickel
- Retail: X5, Auchan, 36.6, Protec, Dixy Group, M. Video, and Metro Cash & Carry
- Telecoms: Vimpelcom and MegaFon
- Transport: Russian Railways
The multi-sectoral AFK Sistema holding company and the Mail of Russia postal services are also on the list.The profits from these 199 firms accounted for 70% percent of the country’s gross national income and employed over 20% of the country’s workforce, the ministry said. They would therefore be given priority in seeking state aid, although it is not yet clear under what criteria. The Moscow Times, Rosbalt