MOSCOW. July 17 (Interfax) - There are still no major improvements in the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We also need to create conditions to develop small and medium-sized businesses. Let me put it bluntly: we still see no breakthrough here," Putin said at a session of the State Council in Moscow on Tuesday

"It is still complicated to set up one's own business and work calmly, without unjustified meddling by the authorities," he said.

"According to experts, two-thirds of entrepreneurs' complaints are about difficulties at the regional and local levels. They encounter administrative barriers, the overstepping of authority by state agencies, and violation of ownership rights," Putin said.

"All this points only to one thing: it is time to radically change attitudes towards the people who take responsibility for raising their welfare," he said.

"To form public respect towards them and their work. To create the atmosphere of openness and honest competitions in regions," the Russian president said.

Keywords: Russia, Economy, Business - Russian News - Russia - Johnson's Russia List

MOSCOW. July 17 (Interfax) - There are still no major improvements in the development of small and medium-sized businesses in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"We also need to create conditions to develop small and medium-sized businesses. Let me put it bluntly: we still see no breakthrough here," Putin said at a session of the State Council in Moscow on Tuesday

"It is still complicated to set up one's own business and work calmly, without unjustified meddling by the authorities," he said.

"According to experts, two-thirds of entrepreneurs' complaints are about difficulties at the regional and local levels. They encounter administrative barriers, the overstepping of authority by state agencies, and violation of ownership rights," Putin said.

"All this points only to one thing: it is time to radically change attitudes towards the people who take responsibility for raising their welfare," he said.

"To form public respect towards them and their work. To create the atmosphere of openness and honest competitions in regions," the Russian president said.