MOSCOW, December 10 - RAPSI. A federal draft law on the establishment of business rights commissioners at the federal and regional levels has been submitted to Russia's lower house of Parliament, the government's press release reads.

The bills define the legal status, the main objectives and area of competence of a presidential business rights commissioner and regional business rights commissioner.

The ombudsman's role will include protecting the rights and interests of entrepreneurs, controlling the state authorities' respect for entrepreneurial rights, assisting the development of public institutions aimed at protecting entrepreneurial rights and cooperating with the world of business, and also participating in forming and implementing state policy for developing business.

The business ombudsman will investigate complaints launched by entrepreneurs and will be involved in the consideration of cases both in commercial, and general jurisdiction courts for criminal cases.

About five months ago, President Vladimir Putin created the federal business ombudsman position by executive order.

Boris Titov, previously the chairperson of the NGO Business Russia, subsequently became the first Russian business rights commissioner.
Titov is charged with safeguarding the rights of both Russian and foreign businessmen.

President Vladimir Putin stated earlier that business rights commissioners should not lobby for businesses. They should only be allowed to protect a business's violated rights.

The legislature is now in the process of fleshing out the position, and establishing its rights and limitations.