Experts discussed development strategy of paints and coatings

Interlakokraska 2026 was visited by Mikhail Yurin, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of Russia. After visiting the show, he addressed the participants of the Plenary Session on the Strategic Directions of Development of the Paint and Coating Sub-Industry.

Mikhail Yurin stressed that Interlakokraska is a major event of the industry that traditionally brings manufacturers, suppliers, and federal executive authorities. It is a platform for professional dialogue and the development of practical solutions.

The deputy minister believes that the paint and coating industry needs to pay attention to research and development in order not just to repeat foreign products and create their analogues. We need to produce our own innovative products with the properties and characteristics that consumers need.

The session was moderated by Alina Rybina, Advisor to the Russian Chemists Union. The session was attended by Artur Smirnov, Director of the Chemical Industry Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia, Viktor Ivanov, President at the Russian Chemists Union, Pavel Fomin, Director of the Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Textile Industry Department at the Industrial Development Fund, Valery Abramov, Chair at the Board of the Soyuzkraska Association, CEO at Russian Paints, Grigory Shifrin, CEO of O3, as well as industry experts and heads of research and educational institutions.

Artur Smirnov noted that, in general, 26,000 companies operate in the Russian chemical industry, employing 680,000 people. He spoke about the work of the Chemical Industry Department and the implementation of national projects aimed at achieving technological leadership, scientific and technological development, creation of a raw material base, development of production, and other topics.

Viktor Ivanov spoke about the importance of paints and coatings for the country's economy. He gave a simple example: if there is no paints, then everything around will lose color, and faded cars will run along the gray streets. He then spoke in detail about the history of the industry's development in Russia.

During the plenary session, the participants discussed the current state and systemic challenges of the development of the paint and coating sub-sector, instruments of state support and regulation, export opportunities and new markets, practical experience of enterprises, and implemented technological solutions.

Press Service, EXPOCENTRE AO