Ways of increasing the efficiency of Russian trade and economic policy

The authors of the article analyze the state of Russia s foreign trade. The authors identify the most important factors that have a negative influence on trade relations of Russia with foreign countries and the CIS, as well as the state of the Russian economy. The main reasons for the reduction of the foreign trade turnover in Russia are examined, as well as retail sales in the country. The authors conclude that the primary reason for the reduction of Russian imports is a currency devaluation caused by a significant decline in world oil prices which caused rise of prices for goods that are delivered to domestic markets from abroad. The authors argue that the current situation creates conditions for accelerated development of some sectors of the national economy. The impact of mutual Russian-Western sanctions on foreign trade are defined. The authors determine the most promising areas of Russian trade policy that aimed at protecting the domestic market under the condition of both: strengthening of the Russian ruble and the abolition of restrictions on the supply of food from abroad in the medium and long term. The article presents a set of measures of state support to ensure the conditions for the accelerated development of the agricultural sector of the country. The authors argue that it is reasonable to support the Russian agro-industrial complex through the developed system of preferential crediting of agricultural enterprises, as well as measures to improve rural infrastructure and public procurement to support the population in social programs. Proposed methods for the support of Russian agricultural production defined by the authors of this article are considered with the requirements and standards of the WTO that includes Russia at present time.