GDP doubling within the next ten years is still seen as the main indicator of the country's social and economic progress. As to the ministry forecast, Russia could embark this trail only after 2010 and therefore a doubled GDP is quite feasible by 2015.
"The mid-term program of Russia's social and economic development gives guidelines for government activities over 2005-2008 to achieve such strategic goals as the enhancement of public well-being and the reduction of poverty on the basis of dynamic and steady economic growth," says the program.
The program provides for the priority of raising the competitiveness of Russian business, government institutions and the individual through conducting reforms in education, health protection, continued administrative change and the development of the so-called new economics -- the economy of knowledge. The program lays emphasis on the item of combating poverty and building up the middle class of Russia.
