29 Jul 2022 19:05

Chernyshenko instructs funds be found for preform production platform for fiber optics

MOSCOW. July 29 (Interfax) - Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has instructed the Digital Ministry, Finance Ministry and Industry and Trade Ministry to find funds by August 1 to create a platform for the production of preform glass for fiber-optic cable production in Russia, the deputy prime minister's executive office told Interfax.

The newspaper Izvestia was the first to report on this resolution, citing government materials. According to the newspaper, the ministries must, as part of the preparation of the draft law "On the federal budget for 2023 and the 2024-2025 planning period," find sources of funding for additional capitalization of Rosnano, which is a co-owner of the Russian manufacturer JSC Fiberoptic Systems.

The deputy prime minister's executive office confirmed this information.

"Indeed, such instructions have been issued. This situation is being monitored closely by the Russian government," Chernyshenko's office told Interfax.

At the moment, there is only one unique plant in Russia for production of fiber optics in the country, which is located in Saransk and is operated by Rosnano.

"In the current conditions it is obvious that the consumption of optics has grown. Foreign suppliers have left the market and this is a chance to develop our own production at full capacity. For this purpose it is necessary to identify sources of funding for the entire production cycle - from the creation of preforms, to the production of optical fiber and fiber optic cable for Russian communication networks," the executive office said.

Interfax has sent inquiries to the press services of the Digital Ministry and the Industry and Trade Ministry.