STRELNA (Sputnik) — Russia intends to make the process of investment clearer and more transparent in order to reduce risks for businesses, he said.
"The [Russian] state will continue to support the implementation of major projects, including those with the participation of your, dear ladies and gentlemen, companies," Putin said during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
"We are ready to offer interesting objects for investment in infrastructure, in the sectors of transport, energy, communications. We are ready to make clearer, more precise the mechanisms of investments to lower the risks for investors and to make their participation in such long-term projects more beneficial. Of course, we are counting on the continuation of cooperation in the areas which have a direct influence on the lives of our citizens – this is healthcare, construction of high-tech medical centers and other important projects."
Russian markets have all the necessary conditions for the "boldest" initiatives, as the government continues to improve the markets' investment mechanisms and conditions for further growth, he said. He stressed that these were not one-time measures, but a strategic policy aimed at further integration of the Russian economy into the world system.
"Nowadays, all the necessary conditions exist on the Russian market to implement the boldest business initiatives. We continue to perfect the mechanisms of investment and entrepreneurial activities, including those of foreign companies and citizens. We stimulate the growth of high-tech sectors of economy with modern market institutions."
"We set ourselves a goal: somewhere around 2020 the growth rate of the domestic economy should exceed that of the global average. In order to achieve this, it is crucial to ensure the flow of capital to the Russian economy," Putin said at a meeting with members of the Russian Direct Investment Fund's International Expert Council and foreign investors.
The negative situation on global markets is changing very slowly, the president added.
"The GDP has been growing for three quarters in a row against a backdrop of a far from favourable situation on the global markets. The situation, unfortunately, is changing very slowly."
"Inflation stands at around 4.1 percent now in annual terms. We expect that it will stand at lower than the 4-percent target by the end of the year," Putin said at a meeting with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and foreign investors on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Business Forum (SPIEF).
SPIEF, a major global platform for communication between business representatives and discussion of crucial economic issues, kicked off in Russia’s St. Petersburg on Thursday and will continue through Saturday. Sputnik News Agency is the official media partner of the forum.
