Putin to announce directors of Agency for Strategic Initiatives

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will name on Wednesday the winners of the contest for the post of the director general and area directors of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), the government said. Putin proposed setting up the agency with his involvement on May 6 at a regional meeting of the ruling United Russia party he leads. The agency will focus on three areas: new business - organizing start-ups and overseeing how promising innovation companies adapt to the market; efforts to promote young professionals in business and social spheres; and social welfare projects such as education, health care and culture. The contest was held in two stages from May 25 to July 21. A total of 2,368 candidates submitted applications. A government source earlier told RIA Novosti that the agency's management would consist of "young and talented people with business experience." The Moscow News paper cited another government source on Wednesday as saying the future director general of the ASI is not a "heavy-weight" in the Russian business community, but he is a very charismatic person who would "quickly conquer the hearts of Russians."