Putin gives a long and positive overview of the work of regional banks with the central bank to help local businesses. Praises cooperation between central bank and local officials in Tatarstan.
Putin: Where would we be without Tatars?
Next question is about support for small business, including helping banks to provide entrepreneurs with loans.
Putin interrupts Peskov and personally calls on a "Tatar" reporter.
Putin says Russia exports $14.5 billion in weapons and $7 billion in IT products. Says Russia is doing well in space and aviation sectors.
Putin says that Russia is investing less in high-tech sectors than other developed economies. Says government has a plan to develop technology sectors through 2025. Notes high-tech and IT zones that have tax and other benefits.
Putin says it is hard to convince business to invest in other sectors when it is so much easier to make profits in the resources/energy sectors.
Next question: is Russia falling behind permanently in the area of high technology and information technology?