A new body, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives (ASI), currently being presented in the Russian government press center, could be a mediator between businesses and financial institutions, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.
"The agency could be a mediator between business representatives and financial organizations, large banks and development institutions," the premier said at the presentation.
Putin proposed setting up the agency with his involvement on May 6 at a regional meeting of the ruling United Russia party he leads.
He said the agency would focus on three areas: first, new business - organizing start-ups and overseeing how promising innovation companies adapt to the market; second, efforts to promote young professionals in business and social spheres; and third, social welfare projects such as education, health care and culture.
Putin will head the ASI's supervisory board.
MOSCOW, May 25 (RIA Novosti)
