State Duma approves Novak as Russian deputy PM in charge of energy and economy
MOSCOW. May 13 (Interfax) - The State Duma approved Alexander Novak as Russian deputy prime minister on Monday.
As reported, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin submitted proposals regarding the composition of Russia's new government. Novak, who has been in charge of the energy sector in the government, is also expected to oversee economic issues, such as support for the economy and anti-sanctions measures, in place of Andrei Belousov.
"Novak has the necessary managerial experience. He coordinated economic and financial issues for a long time in different posts both in business and in municipal and public services, including while serving as deputy finance minister," the prime minister's press secretary Boris Belyakov said.
As his candidacy was debated by the State Duma, Novak listed steps to create a conducive environment and incentives for setting up new enterprises to boost the inward flow of investment, including from businesses, among his objectives in this post.
Project and equity financing mechanisms will be developed and funds of the banking sector and development institutions will be used to this end. According to Novak, it is necessary to ensure affordable financing (the National Wealth Fund, the Project Finance Factory, and public-private partnerships), mitigate risks and reduce regulatory barriers, boost the attractiveness of Russian jurisdiction, and other instruments of support. Work with the Central Bank is also planned.
In order to increase non-primary exports, steps will be taken to "create conditions conducive to cooperation with friendly countries, above all by launching new joint economic and investment projects and expanding the transit of goods via international corridors on other routes with our colleagues in charge of these issues," he said.
Novak also set out plans for developing small and medium-sized businesses and promised them support from the state, including their efforts to enter international markets.
"We will give individual attention to the development of infrastructure in the country's regions. At least 100 industrial parks, hi-tech parks for small and medium-sized businesses will be created in 2030. We will be working with the regions to encourage small and medium-sized businesses to more actively reach remote parts of our country. Using the logistics of Russian Post and marketplaces, it is necessary to facilitate and ensure their qualitative growth through the capitalization of natural, cultural and historical sites, new roads, land and other assets," Novak said.
In addition, there are plans to raise workforce productivity by 2%-2.8% annually by introducing digital management technologies, upgrading and computerizing production capacities, promoting lean manufacturing, and reducing administrative barriers and excessive requirements, he said. The new Personnel national project will be implemented.
A new national project, 'Efficient and Competitive Economy', will be created to help achieve economic goals.
Domestic market development, energy security and reliably supplying citizens and the economy with high-quality energy resources were named among the key priorities of the fuel and energy sector.
"Key areas here include upgrading oil refineries, further developing the gas distribution network in the regions, replenishing the resource base, putting new capacities into operation and modernizing thermal power plants, enhancing the share of renewable energy sources, and launching a competitive wholesale electricity market for the Far East. The second area is the development of advanced refining, the construction of new gas chemical facilities, and boosting LNG production," Novak said.
"The Technological Sovereignty national project, based on energy technologies, is being developed in accordance with the president's address. The fourth area is diversifying hydrocarbon exports. In line with the president's instructions, the energy strategy up to 2050 will also be updated in light of new challenges and tasks," he said.
Novak was born in 1971. He became deputy prime minister in November 2020, after holding the post of energy minister since 2012 and serving as deputy finance minister since 2008.
Novak graduated from Norilsk Industrial University with a degree in economics and management in metallurgy. He also graduated from Moscow State University with a degree in management in 2009. Novak held different positions at Zavenyagin Norilsk Mining and Metallurgical Combine from 1988 to 1999 and served as deputy director for economics at OJSC Norilsk Mining Company, Zapolyarny branch.
From 2000 to 2002, Novak served as Norilsk deputy mayor for financial and economic issues and the city's first deputy mayor. From 2002 to 2007, he held the post of Krasnoyarsk Territory deputy governor, also heading the regional administration's financial department. From 2007 to 2008, he served as Krasnoyarsk Territory first deputy governor and first deputy governor and head of the region's government.
