MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. The number of Russians employed in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exceeded 29.3 mln by the end of last year, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said.

"The presidential target to increase the number of people employed in SMEs has been surpassed. By the end of last year, this figure exceeded 29.3 mln," he said.

Mishustin emphasized that small and medium-sized businesses are among the main drivers of the economy, helping to foster a competitive environment, ensure employment, and strengthen regional development. "And just as importantly, it is often within this sector that bold, breakthrough ideas are born - ideas that drive technological progress and give rise to new industries and even entire markets," the Prime Minister noted.

He stressed that the government actively supports such enterprises. Last year saw the completion of a specialized national project that enabled the creation of a unified support system - from launching a business to entering export markets. This effort to strengthen the sector will continue, the Prime Minister assured.

"The growth in the number of entrepreneurs is the result of a comprehensive set of measures adopted over recent years - primarily those implemented during the pandemic and in response to heightened external pressure on our country. Prompt actions taken by the government, together with the Bank of Russia, business associations, and the academic and expert community, enabled many companies to preserve both production and jobs," Mishustin stated.