Russia wants to develop its own textile industry and reduce dependence on Turkish textiles and clothing. It’s believed the development of garment production in the Caucasus will create up to two million new jobs. Dagestan for one is seen as a possible center for textile and light industry. The republic has a number of advantages over other regions, including a huge labor base, the traditional love for working with fabrics etc.

Imports of textiles into Russia are about one-third of the total supply. The share of imports in the clothing, footwear and accessories segment is more than 80 per cent. Bangladesh and Vietnam are among the seven largest apparel exporters to Russia. Although their shares are not as big as China’s, their growth is more impressive.

Vietnam has signed a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) comprising Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. This is likely to boost apparel exports from Vietnam to the EAEU. There are 653 large and medium enterprises and about 4,000 small companies in Russia engaged in the garment and textile industry. Domestic manufacturers benefit from Russia's light industry development strategy, which provides state support for textile and garment manufacturers, including modernisation of technological base and enhancing their competitiveness.