Maxim Oreshkin

Dear hosts, participants and guests of the 7th Central Russian Economic Forum,

The Central Russian Economic Forum is arguably a widely respected venue for discussing priorities in the economic policy of Central Russia.

The expected level of representation at the forum promises effective solutions for the development of production and high technologies relevant both for the region and Russia as a whole.

The growth of a postindustrial economy is driven by knowledge and the development of intellectual assets. Our country has lots of talented inventors, but relatively few successful entrepreneurial projects. Therefore, the Government of the Russian Federation and the Forum participants share the same tasks: stimulate innovative solutions and search for ways to develop small businesses, which will have a positive impact on all economic activities.

With the assistance of the Ministry of Economic Development, Russia has established centers of innovative and industrial competence annually providing more than 17,000 services to small and medium-sized businesses on favorable terms. Youth innovative creativity centers have been created to promote entrepreneurship among young people. More than 300 such centers have been established, their annual coverage exceeds 30,000 people.

I believes that the initiatives inspired by the forum will facilitate the further development of small and medium-sized businesses. The most effective solutions can win support at the federal level, particularly, from the Minister of Economic Development.

May I wish all the participants and guests of the Forum fruitful work, exciting discussions and practice-oriented outcomes!

Maxim Oreshkin, Minister of Economic Development of Russia