6 September 2023
The
analytical report entitled "Sovereignty as a Path to Prosperity" was
prepared by the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) jointly
with the Roscongress Foundation with support from Business Russia.
The
detailed presentation of the report will take place ahead of the 8th
Eastern Economic Forum to be held in Vladivostok on 10–13 September 2023.
Against
the background of global changes in the existing world order, strengthening of
external threats, and toughening of Western sanctions, the issue of sovereign
development of Russia, including in the field of economy, is growing in urgency.
Based on
the participant surveys, the main seven conclusion areas were outlined.
One of the
focuses was the issue of sovereignty and proposals for the country's
economic development. Experts emphasize that in the emerging global situation,
it is impossible to close exclusively on the Russian market or refuse to
interact with any foreign economic players, and it is impossible to be excluded
from the global economy.
The next
block is sanctions: experts believe that this regime is an objective reality
that must be accepted and learned to live with. However, there is a positive effect:
the departure of competitors stimulates the growth and development of Russian
companies.
One of the
responses to Western sanctions was the policy of parallel imports. The majority
of respondents called the policy of parallel imports a positive practice that
has significantly helped companies over the past year. Nevertheless, they
consider it to be a short-term option.
Import
substitution has also become a measure against Western sanctions. However, it
is emphasized that it should not be total: it is important to develop in all
sectors, especially in critical areas, but it is impossible to refuse foreign
brands, medicines, technical achievements. Their presence increases the level
of comfort and stimulates competition.
Reducing of
Russia's role as a raw materials exporter also is an objective reality, but
such measures are useful for diversifying the economy, so it is important to
develop exports in competitive, high-tech industries.
Despite
the fact that the turn to the East has already happened, a long-term state
strategy related to the new direction of development should be developed.
Russia's role as a transportation and logistics hub (North-South corridor, Silk
Road) is growing, and the country needs to develop as a global logistics
operator.
The
surveys also identified the main "pains" of business, in particular:
the definition of a long-term strategy for the country's economic development,
"predictable policy" and financial support mechanisms.
The entire
report is available at: roscongress.org.
