“War of Sanctions”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a meeting with representatives of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, said that the organization is in particular demand at the moment, because “the Russian economy is gaining a fundamentally different character, it is starting to develop according to a new economy.” model.”
The head of state recalled that in June 2022, the maximum decrease in GDP was recorded by 4.7%. According to him, the reason was the “sanction war”, “unprecedented difficulties” in the system of the global economy, trade and international relations. Putin is confident that no country in the world has faced such problems.
“Since then – starting in July – yet our economy has switched to growth. Behind these successes are the hard work of thousands of companies and the labor of millions of experts. <…> “We see how the positive trends in the Russian economy are gaining momentum, and we expect a significant increase in GDP in the second quarter of this year compared to last year’s level,” said Putin.
He noted that Russia has registered “to compensate for the actual closure of Western markets” and “to expand Russia’s foreign trade links with the states of the rapidly growing regions of the world.” According to him, trade with these countries “has grown at a double-digit rate and continues to grow.”
“Overall, Russia’s foreign trade turnover for 2022 increased by 8.1% to reach $850 billion, of which exports increased by about 20% to 19.9% and imports decreased by about 12% to 11.7% . The trade balance surplus amounted to $332 billion, 70% more than 2021.
According to Putin, Russian business leaders managed to rebuild investment and trade chains, create new logistics routes, and also began to cooperate with more “predictable” and “conscientious” foreign partners.
The head of state is confident that representatives of the business community who remained in Russia are “smarter, more energetic, more efficient than those who left” and advises “malicious people” on how to “violate” the Russian Federation. and where.
He also urged Russia to do everything in import substitution so that it “feels good and its competitors don’t get upset”.
Inflation target on track
Putin believes that the country has “well-developed domestic demand” – according to his forecasts, “already in April” Russia will achieve “at least five percent growth rate of retail trade turnover” in real terms.
We are not talking about a random increase: as experts say, domestic demand has entered a trajectory of sustainable long-term growth. It is based on the stability of our labor market, the increase in the salaries and incomes of citizens, and the decrease in inflation,” he said.
He also cited data showing that inflation should be “below 4 percent” by the end of March. This will be “target inflation.”
The head of state noted that this figure will be lower than in eurozone countries, where “the eternal collapse of the Russian economy is expected.” According to him, rumors about the “death” of the Russian economy are “highly exaggerated”.
“As of March 13, inflation is 7.6 percent and it will reach the target indicators at the end of the month, at the beginning of April,” the Russian leader said.
“Don’t dig another hole”
Putin recalled a year ago that “Western authorities are bending their companies’ arms and forcing some to leave the Russian market.” At the same time, according to him, foreign analysts predicted for Russia a depression and a decline in the consumer sector – “they promised empty store shelves, a huge shortage of goods and the failure of the service sector.”
“However, life took a different direction. Western countries faced the same problems at full growth. It got to the point where its leaders offered its citizens to switch to turnips instead of lettuce and tomatoes – turnip is a good crop, but we’ll probably have to buy turnips because our crop levels significantly exceed that of our European neighbors. ” says.
The head of state said the crop famine in Europe is associated with drought. He is also confident that it will be difficult for these countries to live without Russian fertilizers.
“In any case, the Russian proverb comes to mind: “Do not dig a hole for someone else, or you will fall into it yourself.” This is what seems to happen, ”Putin suggested.
The President believes that the current situation in the market is reminiscent of the situation that developed eight years ago. According to him, in response to the sanctions, Russia imposed its own restrictions, and thus began the “rapid growth” of the agro-industrial complex. In other words, the European and American companies that left now came to be replaced by domestic organizations.
“There are now more opportunities, the possibility of business development and expansion, and the Russian business community should not miss them, otherwise it will not be even an hour, and some companies that left will want to return,” he warned.
“Professionalism” Program
Putin said that Russia should increase its production capacity and open new businesses. At the same time, it is necessary to rely on our own technological base and partnership with friendly countries. According to him, “industrial mortgage mechanisms and a cluster investment platform” were launched to assist this process.
“Management efficiency must reach a qualitatively new level Both in the business world and in the government system, it is necessary to actively develop digital platforms, master data-based management models based on big data. It is clear that modern technologies, including lean technologies, must be applied everywhere, in all sectors of the economy and the social sphere.
According to him, Rosatom, GAZ and KamAZ already use these approaches in their production. Also, the introduction of “lean production” into the military-industrial complex has a “significant effect”, which allows you to quickly increase the output of the necessary products.
Putin stressed the importance of the flow of qualified personnel in the next five years. According to him, during this period, within the framework of the “Professionalism” project, at least one million young people should receive “modern, high-quality education, skills and qualifications that guarantee an interesting, good and well-paid job”.
“Instead of working offshore”
According to Putin, there are “enormous opportunities” for entrepreneurship in today’s Russia. He noted that instead of “working offshore and withdrawing funds received here for things that are obviously not essential,” “responsible business” is launching special programs to support its employees and their families. In addition, such companies are diverting funds to roads, hospitals, sports and cultural facilities – “making life better for everyone around.”
The head of state believes that there should be more such initiatives. It also pledged government support to organizations that “focus on stable development over many years, not short-term results” by investing resources in research and development.
“A responsible Russian entrepreneur is a real citizen of Russia, who understands and acts in his own interests, does not hide his assets offshore, but registers companies there and is not dependent on foreign authorities. You know, often – we’ve known a lot of people here for years – and I’ve often heard a lot: “It’s safer there.” And now?” said the president.
He also suggested that a special award be created for the “most responsible domestic companies” and that the winners be awarded within a year. The President also suggested introducing non-financial reporting for companies that would inform about their social projects.
When one of the participants of the event offered to the president to introduce new advertising technologies that will allow entrepreneurs developing businesses in Russia to create new types of media, Putin recalled the nonsense about Lenin.
After the president explained that she did not understand what he was saying, she sang a song: “I am a choir girl, I dance and sing. I do not know Lenin, but I love him.” At the same time, the head of state supported the proposal of the meeting participant.