MOSCOW. April 25 (Interfax-AVN) - A monopoly should deal with arms export contracts, recently appointed Deputy Prime Minister Boris Alyoshin told Interfax on Friday.
"Large monopolies should be in charge of arms trade contracts. They have a wide experience and well-developed logistics. The producers should be trusted with the post-sale services of the exported equipment, including spare parts," Alyoshin noted.
He said it is too early to speak about his plans, because "specific duties have to be clarified," he said.
Media assertions that the Industry, Science and Technology Ministry will be disbanded are groundless. "No hasty decisions will be made," he said.
"Due to our country's huge scientific and industrial potential, which should be used appropriately, the very name of such a ministry plays a mobilizing role," he said.
Alyoshin denied rumors about his personal standoff with Science Minister Ilya Klebanov. "I respect Klebanov and maintain normal business relations with him. However, I must admit it's been a long time since I checked his positions on industry development," he said.
"My goal is to create, not to destroy. Promising aspects of growth in industry and science should be clarified to ensure their rapid development," he said.
"In Russia, there are numerous small companies with creative approaches. They cleverly use scientific developments and create hi-tech products of top quality. Similar to rough diamonds, they outshine the others. Help is needed to turn them into precious gemstones that will form the backbone of our industry," he said.
The government information department told Interfax that Alyoshin will oversee industrial policy, the support of entrepreneurs, promotion of investment and the support of industrial product exporters. Moreover, he will be responsible for scientific, technical and innovation policies.