Production growth in RF light industry in 2003 is expected at the level of 3-5%. This is mentioned in the report of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. According to preliminary estimates
in 2005 production growth in light industry will exceed 2001 level by 12-19%, footwear production amounting to 35-35.5 million pairs.
It is noted in the report that production growth in light industry
is in great degree determined by the provision with main types of raw materials: cotton, flax, wool, hides and skins.
The problem of raw materials may be resolved by further reduction of import customs duties for wool, increase of export customs duties for hides and skins.
It is expected that in the period under review export of the main types of light industry production, including woolen, cotton and flax fabrics, footwear and knitwear will grow. The main factors holding back production growth in the industry is technological backwardness of most enterprises, high level of illegal production and grey import of low quality light industry goods, unsettled debt problems of textile and light industry enterprises to the state.

The source: RIA "RosBusinessConsulting" dtd 14.08.2002
22.08.2002