Discussions between Vladimir Putin and businessmen encompassed a range of topics, from cyber warfare to fast food chains like McDonald's.
Russian Entrepreneurship Thrives Amidst Challenges
In a gathering at the Kremlin on Russian Entrepreneurship Day, business leaders who have kept the Russian economy afloat in 2022, filling the void left by departed Western brands, were invited to share their experiences with President Vladimir Putin. Ranging from machine producers to domestic computer program developers, tourism industry representatives, and medical equipment manufacturers, these entrepreneurs showcased the resilience of Russian business.
KEY POINTS FROM THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS
National Strength and Economic Progress
The president highlighted the country's economic progress, with Russia's economy now the fourth largest in the world by purchasing power parity. The economy experienced growth of 4.1% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024, thanks in large part to the hard work and contributions of entrepreneurs involved in import substitution.
A Call for Collaboration
Putin acknowledged the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and emphasized the importance of the government's support in their endeavors. He stated, "Pushing this cart is always the hardest part. But it's the entrepreneur's daily, hard work that paves the way to success for their business, and ultimately, the success of the entire country."
Emphasis on Advancements in Robotics
Developing robotics was identified as a critical area for Russia's development, with the president noting the discrepancies between Russia's level of robotization and that of countries like Japan.
Addressing Deception in Domestic Production
Putin highlighted the government's attempts to support domestic producers, emphasizing the issue of imported components that are marketed as domestic, resulting in products that are not truly domestically-produced. Denis Manturov suggested making such deception a punishable offense by law, to which Putin responded, "I think financial sanctions are sufficient."
INSIGHTS FROM THE BUSINESS LEADERS
Russia's Cybersecurity Advancements
Dennis Baranov, the head of Positive Technologies, shared insights about Russia's ability to withstand the first genuine cyberwar, attributing this resilience to the talents of Russian programmers. Putin expressed agreement with Baranov's assessment, noting that Russia is poised to capture international markets in the field of cybersecurity with its own programs.
The Future of Russian Business
Oleg Paroyev, the CEO of "Vkusno i Tochka," raised concerns about the prospect of the original network, McDonald's company, returning to the Russian market. Putin reassured Paroyev, stating his intention to protect Russian businesses by providing legal assistance to navigate the complexities of the matter.
A LIGHT-HEARTED MOMENT
At the beginning of the meeting, Putin expressed his desire to hear from those who wished to speak, only to find that Denis Manturov had already handed him pre-prepared materials. Putin playfully remarked, "It turns out we have everything planned. The management is telling us what to do!"
After this light-hearted exchange, Putin proceeded to listen to the presentations of the entrepreneurs, one by one.
- In the light of Russia's economic progress, the president emphasized the need for advancements in technology, particularly in robotics, to achieve parity with countries like Japan.
- At the gathering, the resilience of Russian entrepreneurs in the face of challenges was evident, as they represented various sectors from finance to cybersecurity, contributing significantly to the country's business landscape.
- During the event, Dennis Baranov, the head of Positive Technologies, discussed Russia's potential to dominate the international cybersecurity market, citing the country's cybersecurity prowess due to the skills of its programmers.
- The issue of deceptive labeling in domestic production was addressed, with the government proposing financial sanctions to deter such practices and ensure the legitimacy of domestic products, particularly in the context of policy-and-legislation and general-news.
