26 Dec 2018 19:28

Putin says support for business key amid external restrictions

MOSCOW. Dec 26 (Interfax) - Russian business can count in the state's support amid external pressure, President Vladimir Putin said.

"On the whole, support for Russian business, boosting its opportunities, is a key task, especially today, when Russian companies face certain external restrictions," he said at a meeting with Russian business representatives.

"Behind the political screen open attempts at unfair competition, eliminating rivals and dividing up markets can be seen," he said.

"We are seeing this in concrete examples. They are totally obvious. Our partners do not even hide this at times," he said.

Putin said that in response to these steps it was necessary to speed up the development of industry, to bolster its scientific and technological potential and facilitate the localization of production.