The newly-appointed economic development minister has toned down his optimism about the 2013 economic growth, says the Finmarket news agency.

      Alexey Ulyukayev’s predecessor was more cautious and downgraded the government’s forecast from 3.6 to 2.4 percent in April.

      Ulyukayev’s deputy confirmed that judging by the current pace the economy is certain to miss the 2.4 percent mark but denied immediate change of forecast.