On July 22, 2009 during the press conference in Interfax-South agency Vladimir Bartenjev, Minister of Economy of the Rostov Region, cited the following data:

• — Branches of Gazprombank and VTB in Rostov region reduced the number of loans by 70%. Whereas, for 5 months of the current year regional bank Center-Invest has managed to grant 14,8 times more (3,331 loans) loans than VTB and Gazprom together, and in absolute figures – 6,5 times more (in the amount of 18,104.8 mio RUB). To my mind, this fact shows that large banks aren’t active enough in lending to the real sector of economy in the regions.

As of the first half of 2009 Center-Invest Bank has financed:

• — 4 410 loans amounting 27,6 bln RUB for the enterprises. Thus loan portfolio of the Bank makes up 29,9 bln RUB as at 01.07.2009.
• — More than 1400 loans amounting 500 mio RUB for the population.