Subjects discussed at the meeting included, in particular, reducing the administrative burden on businesses, streamlining government functions in businesses oversight and supervision, and adjusting the laws and law enforcement practices in prosecution of economic crimes.
The President noted that penalties for such offences should be ineludible, but at the same time commensurate with the acts committed. Mr Medvedev specifically proposed that the recently approved amendments grading tax crimes and softening respective pre-trial restrictions could be applied to other types of economic offences too.
The meeting also looked at ways to improve Russia’s investment climate. The President advised that a draft federal law simplifying visa and immigration procedures for foreign citizens involved in implementation of investment, research and hi-tech projects in Russia has been prepared. Customs procedures for exporting non-commodities and importing high technology will be improved and simplified. A package of measures to encourage investment in modernisation and innovation projects is currently being drafted.
Along with business community members, the meeting was attended by senior officials of law enforcement agencies and various directorates of the Presidential Executive Office.