Representatives of RF Ministry of Energy discussed the conditions for the development of competitive advantages of Russian coal in the world market at the session of the State Duma committee on energy issues, which took place on March 17, 2010 in Moscow. According to the lower house of Russian parliament, representatives of the Institute of Energy Research, RAS, SUEK JSC,RZD JSC and the Independent Trade Union of Coal Industry also participated in the meeting.
Konstantin Alexeev, the Director of the coal and peat industries of RF Ministry of Energy delivered a report at the session. In his report he noted that the crisis in global financial and credit system broke off the trend of Russian coal production that existed almost a decade. Because of the sharp decline in demand for coal in the second half of 2008, the drop in volumes of output at coal enterprises are observed. In this regard it should be mentioned that in 2009 in support of Russian strategic organizations government support was provided to coal companies.
Recommendations on the development and implementation of measures to stimulate and support public investment and innovation activities of coal companies, as well as to improve public management processes, subsoil and industrial safety, production and exploitation of coal, transportation and use of coal consumers in order to enhance the competitiveness of this fuel have been suggested after the meeting.
Relevant committee of RF State Duma also considers recommendations for accelerating the adoption of the draft law on amendments to Chapter 26 of Part II of the Tax Code of Russia "on the differentiation of severance tax on coal, stipulating the provision of tax deductions to coal companies would grant. Also, a decision is aimed at the development and introduction of the draft federal law on the settlement of relations associated with the acquisition of housing for the families of miners died in coal mines.