Prime Minister Vladimir Putin sends greetings to participants, organisers, and guests of the 2nd annual forum “Small and Medium-sized Businesses – Contribution to the Economy”
The message reads, in part:
"The steady growth of small and medium-sized business ensures that the market will be supplied with diverse goods and services, that there will be a sound competitive environment, and that new jobs will be created. And, of course, it is indispensable for strengthening the industrial and agricultural potential of the Russian regions, and for improving people's standard of living.
"The Russian government's priorities include supporting this important business sector, streamlining the taxation system, and removing redundant administrative barriers. I would like to highlight Vnesheconombank's significant effort in this sphere. This state corporation's large-scale financial programme helps accomplish important tasks vital for the modernisation of the Russian economy and its transition to innovative development, and provides tangible targeted assistance to business persons in implementing promising plans, ideas and technologies.
"I am convinced that this forum will be a remarkable event in the life of the professional community, and will help find fresh, unusual approaches and efficient models for the successful and effective work of small and medium-sized businesses."
