Denis Voroshilov. The development of small and medium-sized businesses can become the subject for discussion in business circles of Britain and Russia, said Last news trade Commissioner of Russia in the UK Boris Abramov.

On Tuesday in London opens Russian-British business forum " Bilateral collaboration and the internationalization of small and medium business ", dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the Russian trade representation in the UK.

"now the support of small and medium business, realization of its export potential and introduction of innovations in this area are priorities for the UK. Ninety-nine percent of all organizations in a given country falls on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), they provide up to 60% of employment and about 50% of the national GDP. Equally important is the issue of SME development to the Russian Federation, for this reason, this subject could become a common subject of discussion for commissioners of business, development institutions, business associations and public bodies in several countries, " - said the trade representative.

According to the trade representative, for this reason the promotion of bilateral cooperation and the internationalization of small and medium business were selected as the topics of the Russian-British Forum.

"The sanctions subject, no doubt, is important, however, we do not wish to dwell on it, for this reason intentionally did not include this issue in the agenda of the Forum and took the whole day for business meetings between organizations ", - noted Abramov.

Relations between Russia and the West deteriorated in connection with the situation in Ukraine. The EU and the US from point penalties against certain individuals and organizations have moved to the measures against entire sectors of the Russian economy. In response, Russia restricted imports of food items from countries that have imposed against her punishment: USA, EU, Canada, Australia and Norway.

sections: Politics