Historically, various forms of state protection of national interests in the world market competition exist, which determine the trade policy of the countries. The article states that a balanced and well thought-out policy of attracting foreign investment is needed and that in any given situation it is necessary to find a balance between free trade and protectionism. The resolution of this conflict in the long term is seen as a search for economic compromise, which would lay the foundation for further development of accounting and compliance with national and economic interests of Russia.