Sverdlovsk Region markets will be certified in 2007, reports Vera Solovieva, the regional Minster of Trade, Provision, and Services. Ms Solovieva says there are currently 119 markets operating in the area, and they normally aren’t specializing in any particular type of produce but rather offer foods, cleaning chemicals, and clothes all in one place. The share of such ‘unofficial’ trade constitutes one-quarter of Sverdlovsk Region’s goods turnover.

Yet, as the Minister believes, these markets have to be gradually converted to trade centers, whereas the agricultural markets are better off staying as they are.