Dependence on imports of Russian industry in 2020 will decrease by 1.5 times

By 2020, the dependence of the most critical industries from imports may be reduced from 90% to 50-60%, said Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade C. Tsib.

According to him, the most promising for import substitution are machine tools, light industry, heavy machinery, electronics, pharmaceutical and medical industries.

Currently, the share of imports in machine exceeds 90%. In heavy machinery imports account for 60-80%, light industry - 70-90%, in the electronic industry - 80-90%, in the pharmaceutical and medical industry - 70-80%.

S. Tsib explained that figure 50-60% can be achieved in case of implementation of sound policies of import substitution. For some industries, he said, be able to reach even lower rates.

Deputy Minister said that at present ,on behalf of the President and Prime Minister, the Ministry of Industry is developing plans for import substitution in industry. He added that deals with both new and already used measures. Import substitution policy will be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the World Trade Organization.

In particular, the deputy head of the Ministry of Industry drew attention to a measure of support, both in government procurement preferences for domestic producers. Currently, federal law on public procurement allows the prohibitions and restrictions on imports.

He also said that he is now considering the question of raising import duties on certain goods. At the same time plans to reduce import duties on certain types of raw materials and components, such as the medical industry. Last will stimulate Russian enterprises, S. Tsib said.

Moreover, the Russian authorities together with the business currently engaged in drawing up a list of the most sensitive for the Russian industry of goods for which it is advisable to begin negotiations to modify the rates of customs duties within the framework of the WTO.

"In the short period of import, substitution is possible only if the corresponding spare capacity and, of course, competitive enterprises. Businesses are able to offer high-quality modern products at market prices. In the long-term decline in import dependence is possible only through innovation, encourage investment and create new production, "- the deputy minister said, metalinfo.ru reports.