The head of the "Made in Russia" project, Mikhail Sadchenkov, has advocated lifting the ban on the export of masks outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Earlier, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said that there was no shortage of masks in the country - as of early May, over 8 million masks were produced in Russia every day, which was 1 million higher than the planned level.

With the announcement of the coronavirus pandemic, many Russian companies have retooled to produce masks and protective suits. In the Moscow region alone, 40 companies have changed their field of activity to manufacturing related products. In addition, garment factories in the Central Federal District also switched to sewing these products.

As Sadchenkov reminded, masks are produced in Russia in various price segments - from inexpensive to exclusive designer protective equipment.

"As of today the situation is such that manufacturers produce more than enough masks. It cannot be ruled out that, in theory, this surplus could come in handy in the event of a second outbreak," he said.

He explained that, for the most part, the only masks in high demand among the Russian population were budget masks, which cost up to 60 rubles. At the same time, more expensive designer masks turn out to be less popular in the country.

"The price of such masks starts from 150 rubles on average, and they are especially in demand abroad, including South Korea, England and the USA. We have already received requests for supplies of such products worth over USD 1 million," Sadchenkov said.

In this regard, according to him, the management of Made in Russia is approached by manufacturers who ask the Ministry of Industry and Trade to lift the ban on export of such masks or offer to allow selling excess of relevant products to the foreign market.

"In the near future, our appeal with relevant proposals will be sent to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. We plan to do it by the end of this week," Sadchenkov concluded.

Made in Russia // Made in Russia

Author: Ksenia Gustova