Vladimir Putin on the importance of the chamber of commerce and industry

Vladimir Putin has stressed the importance of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Addressing a CCI convention on Wednesday, the president pointed out the chamber's influence on tariff policy and the importance of contests and tenders that the chamber organizes with the purpose of purchasing goods for state and municipal needs.

Putin said he was convinced that the CCI is not only of applied nature. "Your work and your ideas influence the country's business and social life," he emphasized.

Thanking the chamber for having restored the charity tradition, the president said: "The Chamber of Commerce and Industry has set up a charity fund that is meant to help solve the problem of homelessness -- that's a very helpful initiative."