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Occupying the higher ground, Putin said that
despite the difficult conditions, Russia would have an
independent and strong economy, one with a healthy balance sheet
that would have no need to restrict the movement of capital.
"We truly want a country that is strong, flourishing, free and
open to the world," he told the VTB Russia Calling investment
conference.
He reiterated the importance of developing ties with Russia's
partners to the east, congratulating companies which had already
done deals with Chinese companies and said Russia would aim to
shift to national currencies in trade.
Paying little attention to the sliding fortunes of Russia's
weakening economy, Putin listed Russia's budget triumphs and the
growth rates in the industrial and agricultural sectors.
"Our task is to bring about an industrial breakthrough, to
create strong national companies in manufacturing sectors that
are able to produce competitive products," he said.
He said the government was prepared to support sectors and
companies that have been hit by the sanctions, imposed over the
Ukraine crisis, adding: "This would include helping them raise
capital. First and foremost, I mean financial institutions."
(Writing by Elizabeth Piper, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
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