2013 has seen the worst economic growth since the collapse of the USSR, said Russia's Economic Development Minister.

      Speaking at the Russia Calling economic forum in Sochi, Alexey Ulyukayev said he expected a 1.8 percent growth in 2013.

      'There's no economic development but the minister in charge of it is standing in front of you', he joked.

      The only driver for growth is consumer spending which has been driven by a recent hike in the salaries of public officials.