Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs: main points

On March 18, the annual congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) was held with the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The event was attended by over 1,300 people, including representatives of large, medium and small businesses, heads of ministries and departments. The Russian Forest Association was represented by its First Vice President Andrey Goncharov.

The congress focused on the interaction between business and the state, national projects and the development of key industries.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: “It is important that domestic entrepreneurs have learned to work under sanctions, adapted to them, thought out and launched alternative mechanisms for cooperation with foreign partners, with those who want to work with us. In addition, sanctions have become a kind of even additional catalyst for positive structural changes in our economy, including in the financial and technological spheres, and in many other key areas.".

During his speech, Vladimir Putin instructed the Government of the Russian Federation to develop a transparent procedure for coordinating the return of foreign companies, eliminating the possibility of repurchasing previously sold assets at a reduced price. Mechanisms for regulating the work of foreign enterprises will also be developed in order to ensure competitive advantages for domestic businesses.

During his speech, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized that the Russian economy continues to grow, but the high key rate slows down lending and investment. According to him, supporting investment activity remains a priority for 2025. The head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Anton Alikhanov assured that funding mechanisms are maintained for priority industries, and business support measures are being updated.

The President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin noted that entrepreneurs support the course towards technological sovereignty, but they face systemic problems - regulatory barriers, problems with digitalization, personnel shortages and a lack of available funding.