Editor's Introduction

This issue of >i>Problems of Economic Transition>/i> continues our detailed examination of Russian economic policy for the 1995-97 period, begun in the January 1996 issue. In particular, this issue concludes the publication of the Russian government's Program: "Reforms and Development of the Russian Economy in 1995-97." As noted last month, the primary responsibility for crafting this major piece of economic policy was delegated to the Ministry of Economics. The Ministry of Finance, the State Property Committee, and other ministries and agencies also took part. January's issue of >i>PET was>/i> devoted to chapters one through four of the government's program. These chapters focused on (1) the results of the reforms thus far; (2) the concept of the government's medium-term economic strategy; (3) macroeconomic policy; and (4) institutional restructuring. This month we present chapters five through eight, plus an attachment to the program that details the government's official economic forecasts for 1995-97. These chapters examine (5) investment policy;' (6) foreign economic activity; (7) social policy; and (8) regional economic policy.>sup>2>/sup>