Putin says it is possible that inflation could be as low as 4 percent in 2017.
Putin says he expects inflation this year to be less than in 2015.
Putin says Russia has "preserved its financial reserves."
Putin says government will provide direct assistance to industrial sectors that need it. Notes production increases in the automobile and agricultural machinery sectors.
“Putin: I suggest we connect all Russian hospitals to high-speed internet. To practice telemedicine.
SURE.”
Putin notes a small but significant increase in industrial output.
Putin says that Western sanctions are not the main problem hampering the Russian economy. Domestic issues, including lack of competition, are.
Putin notes the Moscow and St. Petersburg are improving their roads and says other cities will begin doing so as well in the coming year. Calls for improvements to federal highways and notes that work on the bridge to the annexed Ukrainian region of Crimea is proceeding on time.
Putin calls for better legislation on preserving the environment and protecting endangered wildlife.