Third package of measures, presented by the government to help business and Russians, many called the long-awaited. But business still thinks, what the state does not do enough. Government support measures for Russian business during the coronavirus pandemic were discussed in the media center “patriot”.
Where alone is easy, others are in crisis
On the eve of the Russian President Vladimir Putin at a meeting with members of the government announced a new package of measures, which the government introduces to support business and the Russians against the backdrop of coronavirus quarantine. The previous two packages experts called “imposing, but insufficient”, and new measures significantly expand existing activities, and most importantly - significantly expand the circle of entrepreneurs, eligible for help.
One of the main measures, voiced by the state, it was the introduction of direct gratuitous payments to enterprises for the payment of salaries to employees or an increase in the level of salaries. The state allocates for one employee 12,1 thousand rubles per month. Along with this, the state sets the condition: only those companies will receive payments, which will save 90% state from level 1 April. Business can receive first payments already with 18 May.
“The government promptly responds to changes in the economic situation in the country, – thinks the coordinator “Business Russia” in the Northwestern Federal District Dmitry Panov. - No one could predict from the beginning, how long will the period of economic isolation become. Serious measures to support entrepreneurs at the federal level have already been introduced, at the same time developing their measures and regions.
And in this case, the business just cannot be passive. In St. Petersburg we got more 200 calls for help - from realtors, polygraphists, restaurateurs. All entrepreneurs need to engage in collaboration with the government, to make a difference.
There are industries, who sell goods abroad for currency, and they are now making good money by changing the ruble. Among the goods as raw materials, so and products, including high-tech. Industries, engaged in delivery, also now deploying and even employing people, which due to the suspension of enterprises do not work. But many other business sectors are still experiencing serious problems.”.
Whole industries will get help
List of enterprises used to be, which laid state support, limited to several industries - aviation, hotel business, tourism, public catering. Now companies are added to them, who trade non-food items. “They also have enough problems right now.”, – Putin admitted. These firms will receive the right not only to direct payments, but also for soft loans, tax deferral and other preferences already approved.
“The situation today is complicated - this must be recognized, – emphasizes the chairman of the State Duma Committee on the financial market Anatoly Aksakov. – State-sponsored support measures expand, as well as the circle of beneficiaries. On the other hand, there was a decision to eliminate rental payments for entrepreneurs - in that part, where it relates to state municipal property, everything is doing well. But there, where an entrepreneur rents commercial property, government recommendations violated.
And there is no money to pay rent. And here a lot already depends on local authorities. Since real estate tax is paid to regional budgets, then governors could exempt commercial property owners from this fee. they, in its turn, stop making demands on tenants. This work has already been organized.. Taking into account, what the president announced the allotment 200 billion rubles in support of the regions, lost revenue will be offset.
In Moscow, Governor Sergei Sobyanin has already made such a decision, such measures of cooperation need to be implemented everywhere. And organizations, like “Business Russia”, may become mediators in finding common solutions between government officials and entrepreneurs”.
Business asks for more
Despite numerous measures of state support, business representatives continue to complain about problems. In their opinion, the current situation has no relation to entrepreneurial risks, as state closes business. This means, it should take maximum care of the employees of enterprises, exempt business from taxes and rents, and also provide preferential, and better interest-free loans.
“The introduced support measures have so far concerned exclusively small and medium-sized businesses, and we had 310 restaurants, of which we left 100 for work takeaway, – said the founder and owner of the network "Teremok" Mikhail Goncharov. - A serious business hit, but large companies with a significant place in the aid market do not see. We have an average employee salary 38 thousand, state subsidies in 12 thousand definitely not enough, to reimburse all employees the previous earnings.
Moreover, only about 30% landlords met and agreed on a waiver of rent for the entire quarantine period. On the other hand, there are others 30% landlords, who are not ready to make any concessions and require payments in full. And attempts to get loans from banks on the basis of force majeure circumstances run into failure. And more supportive measures are needed., which the government will develop taking into account the views of business”.
“The situation is unique, and now everyone should work together, to overcome it - the state, business, ice pools, banks, – believes vice president of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Ekaterina Lebedeva. - We help draw up business documents, that he incurs losses due to force majeure, which makes it possible to obtain loans and benefits. Borders are closed for transporters, sellers cannot offer goods for sale - each situation is individual”.
State support will continue
Today, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced, that the support of business and the population with the measures already introduced will not be limited. Cabinet intends to use new tools to support the economy. They will be developed taking into account the current situation., and it changes almost every day. More areas are asking for help and support.. According to experts, now you need to do everything, to support demand - from mortgage subsidies to helping developers.
“the main thing, that support is not just being provided, but is provided in increasing volumes, – Approves the Chairman of the Budget and Financial Markets Committee of the Federation Council Anatoly Artamonov. - Now the Agency for Strategic Initiatives is composing a whole “business health card in Russia”, where is the distribution for each segment. It will also expand the list of enterprises and entire industries., who have the most support”.
“Notably, that agriculture is the industry so far, which, relative to other, does not experience critical pressure, – emphasizes doctor of economics, former deputy minister of agriculture of Russia Leonid Kholod. - The sowing campaign is in normal mode, this year's weather is unique to her. Livestock production, continues to do so. But the problem starts from the other side - from the consumer demand side..
The coronavirus crisis has reduced the volume of purchases of goods by Russians. It means, that the structure of consumption is changing: instead of meat and expensive fish, people buy chicken, instead of mushrooms - carrots. That is why the fruit and vegetable union asks the authorities to close the import of entire groups of goods from abroad. For example, many mushrooms are imported from Belarus, and they are now creating serious competition for domestic business.
So help can be not only financial, but also indirect - in the form of protecting the domestic market for its manufacturer. And it’s also worth paying attention to.”.
Max Boot
