Meeting of OPORA RUSSIA with the participation of the Minister of Transport
On September 29, a joint meeting of the presidiums of the boards of OPORA RUSSIA and the Association NP OPORA was held with the participation of Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin. The Russian Forest Association was represented at the event by its First Vice President Andrei Goncharov, who also chairs OPORA RUSSIA's Commission on the Forestry Complex.
The main topic of the meeting was the development of small and medium-sized businesses in the transport sector—from trucking to river shipping. SMEs in this sector currently employ more than 860,000 people—almost a third of all those employed in the transport sector. In the freight road transport segment, the share of small businesses reaches 60%. Taking into account related areas, approximately 15% of all Russian SMEs are involved in the industry.
OPORA RUSSIA and the Russian Ministry of Transport have established a systemic dialogue: a Coordinating Council for the Development of SMEs in the Transport Sector is in place. While joint efforts are yielding results, the task of creating transparent and sustainable working conditions remains pressing.
A wide range of issues were raised during the joint meeting:
- extension of contracts for the operation of non-public railway lines;
- adjustment of the Platon system algorithms Taking into account satellite communications disruptions;
- mechanisms to prevent fines for bona fide carriers;
- new rules for bus stations and bus terminals, which will come into force in September 2026;
- liability of foreign carriers for violations;
- development of shipping on the Amur, including cruise and cargo transportation.
Separately, the results of major events of recent months were summarized: the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok and the OPORA RUSSIA Leaders' Congress in Khabarovsk. Ahead are a business mission to the Chinese province of Liaoning, participation in the Canton Fair, and the OPORA RUSSIA Leaders' Congress in Mordovia in November.
