The plenary session of the All-Russian Export Conference was held in Kazan

The plenary session "Export as a vector of SME Development" was attended by Roman Chekushev, State Secretary and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Maxim Topilin, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy, Veronika Nikishina, General Director of JSC Russian Export Center (REC), and First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Small Business Alfiya Kogogina and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan Midkhat Shagiakhmetov.

Midkhat Shagiakhmetov welcomed the speakers and participants of the event. During the speech, he stressed that 80% of Tatarstan's exports today come from friendly countries, the structure of which is determined by the specifics of the republican economy.

"Industry accounts for a high share, primarily the oil and chemical industries, the products of our large enterprises: shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, helicopter industry, as well as the agricultural sector," the minister said.

Midkhat Shagiakhmetov also noted that small and medium-sized businesses account for the lion's share of Tatarstan's total number of exporters. In connection with the objectives of increasing the share of non-primary non-energy exports, the focus of state policy in the field of foreign trade will also focus, among other things, on the involvement of small and medium-sized businesses in exports.

Roman Chekushev stressed that the support provided by the REC and the Government of the Russian Federation is key to achieving the economic targets that are set for the foreseeable future.

"The task of increasing non-primary non-energy exports and achieving the national goal set by the President of the Russian Federation is a key one for us. Exports have a direct impact on the development of our industrial enterprises. The support provided by the Government and the Russian Export Center helps them achieve all economic indicators. Now our work is aimed at not only quantifying non-primary exports, but also developing them qualitatively, exporting more high-tech products," Roman Chekushov said.

"Russian exports have shown resilience thanks to a well-established state export system, which is based on support tools and thoughtful legislation," Veronika Nikishina emphasized.

Maxim Topilin in his speech noted the quality of goods produced in Russia, as well as job growth and reduced dependence on imports.

"Domestic products are becoming more and more in demand due to their quality and uniqueness. By contributing to the support of local producers, we create new jobs, raise the income level of the population and stimulate the development of regions. This is especially important in the context of global challenges, when it is necessary to provide the country with various goods and services, minimizing dependence on imports," said the Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.

"The number of small businesses is increasing, the number of medium-sized enterprises is growing - this is a very important indicator. The contribution of SMEs to the budget is also growing, and at a faster pace. According to the Federal Tax Service, last year entrepreneurs paid 13 trillion rubles to the budgets of the Russian Federation. This is 17% more than in 2023. Compared to 2019, the indicator has doubled. This means that entrepreneurs see that the policy is favorable for the development of enterprises that are gradually emerging from the shadows," Alfiya Kogogina said.

It should be recalled that Tatarstan's exporters can receive a set of support measures under the national project "Efficient and Competitive Economy". Assistance is provided by the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan and its subordinate organizations. 

Thus, the Export Support Center (ESC) of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Foundation for Entrepreneurship Support of the Republic of Tatarstan, organizes participation in international exhibitions, business missions and other events that promote Tatarstan products abroad. 

The ESC also conducts educational programs that help participants better understand the specifics of doing business in foreign markets, master international standards and trade rules, and effectively manage export projects. The organization provides assistance in matters of standardization and certification of products, protection of intellectual property rights, conducting individual marketing or patent research on foreign markets, organizing transportation of products, their placement and storage in temporary storage facilities abroad, as well as organizing conferences, forums and other events.