Russian business should not count on a full restoration of free trade or capital flows in the event of an easing of Western sanctions, President Vladimir Putin warned today at a meeting with the country's Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), quoted by Reuters, BTA reports.
“Our competitors will always seek to weaken and control us“, Putin said during the meeting.““Even if a country makes a gesture and offers to lift or ease sanctions, another method will immediately be found to create problems for us“, the president added.“He stressed that Western companies that have left Russia will not have the right to return, even with modest investments or in niches that local businesses have successfully filled.”
Putin also noted that he had asked the government to closely monitor the actions of Western companies.“
“Russian business has learned to work under the imposed Western sanctions and has been able to activate alternative mechanisms of cooperation with those foreign partners who want to work with Russia“, the Russian president said, quoted by TASS.“
The head of state also He pointed out that in recent years, Russian business has faced serious challenges, including strong sanctions, restrictions on international payments and operations in foreign markets. “These and other actions undermine the freedom of trade and investment in the global economy“, Putin added.
The president stressed that important issues are on the agenda, such as improving the regulatory framework for the real sector, removing unnecessary barriers and improving the regulatory environment for business. “We are talking about complex, multilateral cooperation, which, unfortunately, is not without obstacles“, he noted.
“I am confident that my colleagues in the government, together with you, will resolve these issues and work with you in the interests of the state and business“, Putin added.