Evgeny Semyonov: "The private sector's distrust of the authorities reduces the willingness to participate in partnerships."

      On June 5, 2026, at 12:06, the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia presented the results of the ranking of public-private partnership development for 2025. Nizhny Novgorod region ranked among the top five leading regions demonstrating the best results in PPP development. On this topic, within the framework of the special project "Expert Club" and NIA "Nizhny Novgorod," Evgeny Semyonov, Deputy Chairman of the Public Chamber of Nizhny Novgorod Region, Head of the Nizhny Novgorod branch of FoRGO, political scientist, candidate of political sciences, and associate professor, expressed his views.

      "The basic principle that determines the vitality of PPP is reflected in its name — the principle of partnership. The semantics of the word 'partnership' is formed not only around the idea of joint activity based on mutual obligations and benefits. The key principle of partnership is trust. Partnership without trust is like a building without a foundation, and its collapse is only a matter of time. Without trust, the activities of the parties become formal, costly, and risky. Without trust, it is impossible to achieve a balance of interests, and the crucial principle of equality is not observed. Respect between the parties is merely declared but absent. In circumstances where trust is lacking, it is impossible to speak of long-term partnership. Without trust, any business partnership, including public-private ones, begins to resemble a deal at the Odessa market, where a painted dog sold as a fox is paid for with counterfeit bills.

      Some legal experts believe that the current legal culture in Russia leaves much to be desired. They note that property rights have not become an imperative defining the nature of relationships between subjects. A classic example illustrating this thesis is the infamous case of Larisa Dolina. It is evident that in a diffuse legal environment, one cannot expect a surge of private investment in the country's economy. Distrust of the private sector towards the authorities reduces the willingness to participate in partnerships. Negative historical experience, uncertainty of cooperation conditions, and risks, risks, risks — this is what blocks the development of public-private partnerships in Russia, leaving gigantic private capital inaccessible to the domestic economy. And something needs to be done about this," believes Evgeny Semyonov.

      NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+