Governor of Chelyabinsk Region Petr Sumin decided that 15 million RUR should be directed from the region’s budget to support the local light industry.

Chelyabinsk Region’s Government has been taking such steps since 2003, subsidizing the light industry enterprises’ loans (the government makes up for 50% of the refinancing interest rate on loans taken in Russian banks). According to the terms of the support program, factories must invest the money thus saved in production development (largely greater output and creating new jobs). In fact, these enterprises can also finance production upgrades.

The spokesperson for the Governor reports that this year one of the subsidies will be given to Chelyabinsk-based Unichel, the shoe manufacturer. Just like before, the company is going to spend the money on new equipment, introducing more workplaces and pay rises. Besides, a portion of the subsidy will be invested in modern raw stuffs, designing new makes and models, and supporting the sales markets financially.

There are eight subsidized enterprises altogether, including Uralochka, UralProfi, Image, Stalma-Spetzodezhda, and Ozersk sewing factory.