In the first nine months of 2020, Moscow’s exports of lighting equipment increased 6.3% to $40.24 mio. In the same period last year, this figure was $37.85 mio, according to Deputy Moscow Mayor for Economic Policy and Property and Land Relations Vladimir Yefimov.
“Today lighting equipment is exported to 78 countries, with Western, Eastern and former Soviet countries being key buyers. For example, Moscow-made lighting equipment supplied to Belarus is valued at $12.46 mio in sales, to Kazakhstan $10.82 mio, to Ireland $2.46 mio, to Germany $2.06 mio and to Korea $1.69 mio,” he noted.
Even during the pandemic restrictions, large economic hubs didn’t put large infrastructure projects on hold. For them, lighting equipment is one of the most important elements. “While China, the world’s leader in lighting equipment, was in the epicenter of the pandemic and had to suspend production, Moscow manufacturers came to the rescue of international clients. They multiplied the shipments of certain products and parts. For example, exports to Spain grew seven-fold, and Moscow manufacturers have partially replaced the Chinese makers. Exports to Germany and Korea have also increased,” said Alexander Prokhorov, head of Moscow’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.
This year exports to Bulgaria saw the highest increases both monetarily and in terms of percentage (seven-fold), and the Republic of Korea (82.7%). The export to China and Belarus shows almost the same growth indices.
In order to increase Moscow’s export potential, the Mosprom Center to Support and Develop Industrial and Agricultural Exports under the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy, and the Moscow Export Center under Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development provide comprehensive support to local companies.
“The Moscow government actively supports Moscow exporters of lighting equipment with both financial and non-financial tools. Exporters can receive compensation for the costs of conducting foreign trade activities through incentives and grants, take part in foreign business missions and leading international trade shows for free and have the opportunity to promote their products in the largest marketplaces in the world among many other things,” said Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development Alexei Fursin.