... doctors. Health and Social Development Minister Tatyana Golikova told a conference last month that the nation lacks almost a million medical professionals. The government is frantically developing programs to boost the numbers. Why is there such a deficit of medical staff? According to doctors and recruitment service providers, there is one big reason: money. Much more lucrative and professionally appealing opportunities are available abroad or at pharmaceutical companies. The federal government...

... – a shortage of personnel, especially pilots. As passenger flights continue to increase, the number of students graduating from Russian aviation academies won't be able to meet airlines' staffing demands, an industry expert said. The burgeoning deficit is prompting airlines to cover their staffing needs by poaching pilots from other airlines and starting special recruitment programs, among other means. If this deficit is not successfully addressed, it could exacerbate the safety concerns about...

... reported earnings support the valuation assumptions, and most sectors are trading at a significant discount to their emerging market peer groups. But this matters little as long as the threat of another significant global slowdown remains. The debt and deficit crisis in Europe has been wrapped up in politics for many months, with governments cautious of imposing even stricter budget spending curbs for fear of an escalation of public protests. Following the election results in France and the stalemate...

A longstanding platitude shared by both the Kremlin as well as domestic and foreign analysts is the need for Russia to diversify its economy away from energy dependence and reduce its non-oil budget deficit. A longstanding platitude shared by both the Kremlin as well as domestic and foreign analysts is the need for Russia to diversify its economy away from energy dependence and reduce its non-oil budget deficit. The unfortunate reality is that...

... change them in the coming months. Oil prices have remained relatively high so far this year, staying close to or above the $115 per barrel average assumed in this year's budget calculations. The OECD, which urged Russia again to lower its nonoil budget deficit, now about 10 percent of GDP, warned also that strong revenues could lead to the temptation of reckless spending. "Budgetary amendments approved in May raise federal government expenditures by only 0.7 percent, whereas official projections...

... about 3 percent of gross domestic product over the next five years. It is very likely that in the short term, growing imports of expensive liquid natural gas and other fuels will continue to exert pressure for change. Last year, the external energy deficit was more than $3 billion, and this year it is expected to double. The important question is whether the Argentine government's decision to nationalize 51 percent of YPF's shares is the best way to recover self-sufficiency in oil and gas production...

... Russia’s $1.8 trillion economy, he has soft-pedaled on plans to sell off a minority stake in Sberbank. Shuvalov also said Russia should not be afraid to increase borrowing to finance the innovative sectors of the economy and infrastructure. “The deficit is not necessarily a risk. It can be an instrument for development,” Shuvalov said. He said existing fiscal policy guidelines allowed for raising the state debt to 25 percent of gross domestic product from the current 10 percent. 179738

... technology sector, as well as increasing investment in science, education and health care as a mainstay of the country’s economic growth, which is expected to result in more robust economic growth and slowing inflation, while retaining the budget deficit and expanding public debt. It also involves modernizing transportation infrastructure and the energy complex and “a large-scale change in Russia’s export structure,” according to the government’s statement. According...

... and Domodedovo are facing serious funding shortfalls. Domodedovo is estimated to be short 33.2 billion rubles ($1.1 billion) to build a third runway and repair its current second runway and airport apron. Sheremetyevo is running an 18.2 billion ruble deficit on its plans for a third runway and upgrades to airfield infrastructure. Consolidation of the airports would help spread the capacity burden when runways are closed for renovation, the report noted. "Assuming the three airports work under...

... life expectancy, which currently stands at 69 years, by improving health-care policy. To make this happen, the government must — among other things — reduce the mortality rate, develop the scientific foundation of health care and cut the deficit of medical personnel across the country, according to the decree published on the Kremlin website. Putin also ordered to increase the share of domestically made strategic drugs the government purchases for entitled patients. These tasks complement...

... pitted kindergarten construction against park preservation. On April 11, the city passed Law No. 12, which amends laws from 1995 and 2008 to allow city-funded preschool and kindergarten facilities to be built in "nature areas." There has been a deficit of student slots in kindergartens because of immigration and an increased birthrate in the city. The perceived lack of preschool space "definitely exists," said Sergei Smirnov, director of the Institute of Social Policy and Socio-Economic...

... have a certain professional background. This business also requires a big investment in equipment. Finally, it was rather hard to obtain a license, involving a long bureaucratic procedure. Q: Which sectors would be good to invest in here? A: We see a deficit in food services because cafes and restaurants are usually packed in the evening. Construction should be developed, with the city's population growing and a need for housing. The development of the social sector is also crucial. Q: What would...