[silverleaf]

If the government succeeds in creating the conditions favoring small business and the sectors of economy other than raw materials production, the medium-term economic growth rate forecast might be increased to 5-7% per annum," the expert stressed.

Well gee, that's a mighty big IF. Having been to Russia (not Moscow- the real Russia that lies in the many time zones to the east) I can say...I have never seen such a sad, hopeless and depressed society, from the struggling middle class (what there is of it) and down (and there is a lot of "down")..

again, I am not talking about the cities that the World Bank experts see on their conferences...I am talking about real life in small towns.

While the wealth of the raw material (oil and minerals) being extracted (raped) from Russia may increase the wealth of many on paper and some who have accounts in Swiss banks, I do not see the optimism the tone of this article takes. Unless maybe the management of the country is turned over to Sam Walton and Donald Trump.

[jb6]

Having been to Russia (not Moscow- the real Russia that lies in the many time zones to the east) I can say

What's the real Russia? Moscow is 10% of the population. That's like saying: having been to the real America: West Virginia, Arkansas and Mississippi.