16 October 2003 22:35
Russian PM calls for nurturing small businesses
MOSCOW. Oct 16 (Interfax) - Small businesses play a significant role in improving the economy's structure, which
is why the Cabinet should give them encouragement, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov said while opening
Thursday's Cabinet meeting, which will discuss ways to support small businesses.
"A large economy starts with small businesses. What are now the biggest Russian enterprises used to be
small-time cooperatives," he said.
The Cabinet has done a lot for small business, Kasyanov said. The
enterprise registration system and the taxation system have been
"These small children need special care because they will make up the core of our economy," Kasyanov
said.
What small businesses need are low and stable taxes, access to the production infrastructure and financial reserves,
and the removal of administrative barriers, he said.
Small businesses now employ 13 million people and account for about 20% of the country's GDP, Kasyanov said.
streamlined and a three-year moratorium on inspections of small businesses has been introduced, he said.
Administrative obstacles, however, are still hard to surmount. Access to the production infrastructure remains
difficult and loans are hard to obtain, Kasyanov said.
"Small businesses mean jobs, diversification of the economy, and most importantly, the creation, consolidation
and expansion of the middle class and, consequently, social and economy stability in the country," he said. [RU
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