1 Nov 2022 11:03

No need to limit parallel imports of high-tech equipment while Russian analogs unavailable - minister

MOSCOW. Nov 1 (Interfax) - There is no need to restrict parallel imports of high-tech products until competitive Russian equivalents become available, Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev said.

"We are always in favor of competition. Probably [there is no need to restrict]. Probably, parallel imports here actually enable us to ensure the accessibility of equipment for our consumers, affect the price," Shadayev said at the Cnews Information Technology of Tomorrow conference.

Parallel imports can be restricted when competitive domestic analogs become available in Russia, he said.

"Until we have competitive analogs, it seems to us that it's early to restrict parallel imports, because this could affect users, there will be a shortage, prices will increase and so on. Therefore, we are in favor of competition and we must learn to win in this competition," Shadayev said.