VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“Support from Russian citizens has always helped us, and I’m confident that the government’s future line-up will rely on the people. We must never forget about the needs of ordinary people. We must always remember how government-level decisions influence the lives of all ordinary Russian citizens.”
“We can consider buying the assets of high-tech foreign companies to develop mutually advantageous cooperation and transfer part of the production to Russia on valid economic terms.”
“As in previous years, we will protect our domestic market, for example, the agrarian sector, with customs tariffs. Needless to say, we will do this without harming the interests of Russian consumers or violating our international commitments. In addition, we have decided to give price preference to domestic suppliers when they are awarded government or municipal contracts. In my opinion, such protectionism is appropriate as a temporary measure.”
“I suggest a number of other steps. I propose reducing the rate of profits tax by four percent starting January 1, 2009. This should be done at the expense of the federal part of this tax. The amount involved is more than 400 billion roubles and all this money will continue working in the economy next year. Also, 15% is the current fixed tax in the simplified taxation scheme for small business. To further reduce the tax burden on small business, and create more impetuses for its development, I suggest giving regions the right to reduce this rate by 10%, that is, to five percent.”
“Businessmen often complained to me that the tax authorities delay the VAT return. I believe that these authorities should adopt a completely different attitude on this matter, and return the VAT much faster. They could suggest an optimal model for major tax payers. We had such practice before. The current debt on VAT return should be reduced to the minimum before this year expires.”
“I have instructed the Ministry of Finance to suggest measures to support regional budgets. Moreover, considering the special situation with the profits of enterprises in the fourth quarter, I propose they be given the right to pay taxes on the real profits they have received since the start of this year. This decision will allow them not to be taxed on profits which so far exist only on paper. In this way, business will not be crediting the state for free, while the regional budgets will not have to reimburse companies for overpaid taxes at the beginning of the next year. Now I would appreciate your attention! I am asking our deputies in the State Duma to adopt the required amendments to the Tax Code allowing this norm to become valid in a week, starting November 28. This is important because taxes are due on this date.”
“It is necessary to regenerate our social institutions. Today's investment in education, health care, and other social endeavors will give us a competitive edge tomorrow. It will allow us to occupy a stronger position in the post-crisis world where man's role is bound to grow.”
“To become competitive, we need to boost labour productivity in key industries three- or fourfold; and increase the share of innovative production in total output - from the current 6% to 25%, or even 30-35%. We should also reduce the economy's power consumption by at least 40%. Under the present circumstances it is especially relevant to achieve these goals.”
“We will seek sustainable population growth, increase life expectancy to 72-75 years, provide all citizens with access to quality healthcare and education, and guarantee reasonable pensions. Finally, the majority of households should have the real possibility of solving housing issues themselves.”
“We should focus on making our economy more effective, and improve its infrastructure. We should learn to develop alternatives for conditions when prices of raw materials are not growing rapidly. We should get rid of unjustified costs. In this context, we should work out a serious energy-saving programme. The current drop in prices on energy resources does not make this task redundant.”
