Import Rises to $130Bln in 1H 2013

Imports from foreign non-CIS countries reached $130 billion in the first six months of 2013, up 4.3 year on year, the largest rise being recorded in textiles and footwear, which were up 10.3 percent, while imports of foodstuffs fell by 2.4 percent, Interfax reported. (MT)

Sacked Official Hired by Rosneft Subsidiary

The former chief of subsurface resources agency Rosnedra, Alexander Popov, who was fired by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev last week, has taken the top job at Itera, which oil major Rosneft has purchased, Interfax reported.

Severstal Takes $15Bln Loans

Severstal said Wednesday it had signed contracts with Sberbank for two revolving credit facilities amounting to 15 billion rubles ($454 million), with a maturity of three years. (Reuters)