DUMA SIMPLIFIES TAXES, EXPORTS.

In its rush toward recesslast week, the Russian parliament passed bills simplifying Russia’stax code, regulating stock markets, and limiting power of theforeign trade ministry to regulate oil and gas exports, Russianradio reported July 21-22. All three measures are designed tomake Russia more investor friendly. In another move and with anobvious eye to the upcoming elections, the Duma created a newcommittee to fight corruption among deputies, Izvestiya reportedJuly 21.

Foreign Exchange Trading Falls.