The State Statistics Committee has published information on the situation and developments in the light industry of the Republic.
In 1990 light industry accounted for 9.3% of all industry production, whereas in 2002 - only 3.2%. Light industry output in 1990-2002 period reduced almost 5-fold, including in textile and tailoring industry more than six times. In 1990 there were 9.9 thousand people engaged in light industry, in 2002 the number of personnel in industrial production fell up to 4.3 thousand people. Production fall in light industry, begun in 1992, continued up to 1996. Low competitiveness of light industry production in the market has led to more than eight times reduction of light industry output over this period. In 2002 enterprises of the industry produced output worth 377.8 million rubles, which is 11.4% less 2001 level. At the same time footwear industry, as well as imitation leather production and film materials are continuing to develop rapidly. In 2002 as compared with 1997 footwear manufacture grew 4.4 fold, artificial leather production - 3.4 fold. At big and medium-size enterprises of light industry there are considerable reserves for further increase of production. Thus in 2002 industrial facilities at felt footwear factories were used only for 11% of their maximum capacity, leather footwear - by 37%. Average wage in the industry in 2002 reached 1408 rubles, the average wage in the Republic being 2666 rubles.

Source: IA Regnum
07.05.2003