Officials should protect private property no less than state property, the Russian President said. He stressed that the state would protect the interests of honest businesses. According to Mr. Putin, large scale investigations in the business sphere, including tax investigations, do not mean there is a threat to government interests in every case.

At the same time, Mr. Putin urged the business community to make a habit of paying taxes, instead of looking for tax evasion schemes. To pay taxes is not only in the interests of the state, but also in the interests of businesses themselves, the President stressed.

Mr. Putin also admitted that businessmen were an important part of Russian society, and the government should protect their interests alongside the interests of teachers, doctors, students, scientists and employees in the manufacturing and agricultural spheres.

He also called on businessmen to participate more actively in social, scientific and educational projects. In Mr. Putin's opinion, Russian businessmen are interested in creating a favorable social conditions for their activity in Russia. According to the President, about two thirds of employed Russian citizens work in the private sector today. So, he said, "for most Russians, living and labor standards" take shape in the private sector.

Mr. Putin said it was necessary to create a legal basis for cooperation between the government and businesses in priority areas. He noted that the state should ensure stable conditions for the work of private investors. At the same time, Mr. Putin added that the private sector should not be forced to incur unreasonable expenses and costs.

In particular, the President said the government and business should cooperate in implementing large transport projects, providing electrical power and improving border infrastructure. Another priority is knowlegde-intensive industries. "Today, Russian business, with its advanced management, logistics and communication technologies, is already ahead of the state," Mr. Putin stressed. At the same time, he noted that the government should retain the right to research projects regarding new materials and products.