Andrei Belousov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, spoke at a plenary session dedicated to Entrepreneurship Day during the national fair. He emphasized that raising labor productivity stands as a pivotal lever for boosting wages and easing frictions in the job market. He noted that the Ministry of Economic Development is actively building a framework designed to deliver measurable gains in productivity and, consequently, in real incomes.
Belousov explained that early in the year there was a clear plan to roll out a nationwide network aimed at lifting productivity, with involvement from the productivity.rf digital platform. This initiative is a core component of the broader national project on Labor Productivity. He described the platform as a driver for several interlinked improvements: refining customer routes, enhancing corporate management systems, accelerating the digital transformation of medium and large enterprises, and expanding the capabilities of the workforce through skill upgrades and resource optimization.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the economy has progressed significantly over recent years. One of the standout achievements has been the renewal of domestic industry, with roughly 85 percent of today’s operating industrial capacities having been created within the last twenty years. Industrial production has more than doubled since 2000, climbing about 2.5 times in that period. This transformation has been supported by sustained efforts to modernize the business environment and reduce barriers to growth.
Belousov highlighted that such progress reflects the establishment of a strong and stable foundation capable of addressing current and future challenges. The country has built a framework that supports resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving economic conditions and external pressures, reinforcing confidence in continued development.
During the session, Maxim Reshetnikov, the head of the Ministry of Economic Development, outlined the specifics of the state support system for entrepreneurship. He underscored that close collaboration and trust between the government and the business community have been crucial to maintaining steady economic growth in recent years.
Reshetnikov explained how industry associations and regional business networks helped generate practical proposals for support measures. He said these inputs informed the refinement of tools and programs, ensuring they align with the real needs of enterprises across regions, sectors, and scales.
In the context of the last two years marked by sanctions, the ministry leader noted that redirecting export and import flows, along with ensuring the stability of payments and settlements, have been central tasks. The aim has been to preserve liquidity, maintain supply chains, and safeguard the reliability of financial transactions for businesses operating domestically and with international partners.
On February 27, the National Achievements Forum under the banner Entrepreneurship in Russia convened to review progress, share lessons, and celebrate milestones in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to expand support for startups, scale-ups, and traditional enterprises adapting to new market realities, while reinforcing the dialogue between government bodies and commercial sectors as a driver of long-term stability and growth.