The bill would extend the list of possible preferences and benefits for small businesses and apply them for medium-sized firms alike. The banner reads: "Give way to small business!"
Photo: Vasily Shaposhnikov
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Duma Pushes for Extra Benefits for Small Business
The Russian State Duma is to consider a landmark bill on small and medium-sized business, drafted by deputies and business NGOs, which would give businessmen benefits ranging from rent rights to low taxation. The Finance Ministry is strongly critical of the bill, saying it poses a threat to competition and budget revenues.
The bill would extend the list of possible preferences and benefits for small businesses and apply them for medium-sized firms alike. Drafters note say the blueprint would provide groundwork for development of small business in Russia.
The Finance Ministry opposed the bill at a governmental session in March, saying that the proposed benefits violate competition and would cut budget revenues.
Financial authorities are against special taxation regimes for small and medium businesses. The ministry has estimated that 85 percent of all Russian firms will be qualified for benefits after medium-sized business are included on the list of preferences. The Duma retorts that the bill only mentions a possibility of introducing these regimes.
Another issue in dispute is premises rent. Under current laws, local authorities let premises to winners of rent tenders. The new bill, however, would allow authorities to sell premises to small business without any tenders.
In a reaction to fierce criticism from the Finance Ministry, the Duma reiterates the bill is a merely framework which does not impose any specific benefits or expenses.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of Apr. 19, 2007
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