MOSCOW, October 15. /TASS/. Speaking at the congress of the Delovaya Rossiya (Business Russia), all-Russian public organization, President Vladimir Putin stated that the country currently faces the task of launching a new investment cycle.

He also noted that, in these challenging times, Russian business is demonstrating a responsible civic stance.

TASS has compiled the head of state's key statements.

New investment cycle

"Russia faces the task of launching a new investment cycle and increasing investment in innovative companies, as well as in industrial, logistics, creative, tourism, and other projects aimed at expanding the capacity of the domestic market and meeting growing global demand."

Business plays a leading role in this effort, driven by its interest in promising projects and the creation of quality, modern jobs in cities and towns.

"The state will certainly continue to support business and investment activity," working alongside the business community to address "the most important and pressing issues."

Civic stance of business community

"In these objectively difficult times, Russian business is demonstrating a responsible civic stance and a desire to contribute to the quality of life of Russian citizens. In this sense, the domestic entrepreneurial class has become an active, engaged part of Russian civil society."

The Russian entrepreneurial class has proven that its plans and interests are firmly linked to the country: "Through their hard daily work, our entrepreneurs prove that their knowledge, skills, interests, and plans are firmly tied to Russia and to the growing prosperity of our citizens. It is crucial that we work together to realize a formula that is self-evident and proven by history: 'A strong, sovereign country is the guarantee of a strong, competitive business.'"

Stock market

The Russian stock market is stable and functioning reliably. However, the goals for its strengthening are now more ambitious: "One of our tasks is to stimulate and strengthen our stock market. Unfortunately, we have not yet fully achieved the goals we set for ourselves here, although it is strengthening. In any case, it is stable and functioning reliably. But, of course, we are setting more ambitious goals."

Pension funds and other assets channeled into the stock market must be rock-solidly protected: "They [citizens' funds] must be securely protected. And when it comes to pension funds, this is even more critical -- everything there must be guaranteed with absolute, rock-solid certainty."

Work of Delovaya Rossiya and business community

It was at a Delovaya Rossiya congress 15 years ago that the National Entrepreneurial Initiative was launched: "At the prompting of business circles, we began a systematic effort to reduce the administrative burden on business, eliminate excessive regulation, simplify reporting and the acquisition of various permits, and introduced a system where entrepreneurs themselves evaluate how specific regulations or laws impact their operations."

Today, Delovaya Rossiya plays a major role in shaping a national model for optimal business conditions and fostering a favorable, competitive business climate. In collaboration with regional heads, the organization coordinates the launch and operation of an investment standard across Russia’s regions.