Development of domestic technical textiles industry will be the focus of the Russian government for the next few years. As Denis Pak, Head of the Department of Development of Domestic Trade, Light Industry and Consumer Market of the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, technical textiles is considered the most promising segment of the Russian light industry. Linen and wool currently occupy a small share of the Russian market, and it is steadily declining. The consumption of polyester and viscose, in contrast, is steadily growing.

Historically, the Russian light industry was focussed on natural raw materials, and in particular cotton, wool, linen, while the production of synthetic fibres and technical textile materials was insignificant. However, as per calculations, the technical textile industry could potentially provide the largest contribution to GDP. Hence the plan to focus on development of this segment during the next several years.

The implementation of a series of investment projects in the field of technical textiles in Russia should provide import replacement in the domestic technical textiles market that would amount to 70 billion rubles ($1,2 billion) a year, according to the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade. Besides, funds would be allocated to further expedite the R&D activities in the field of technical textiles and in particular those aimed at developing new types of synthetic fibres and yarns.