“The Russian Export Center is relaunching the ‘Made in Russia’ domestic exporters' program to encourage as many companies producing quality products as possible to join it,” the head of the REC said.
"We believe that this program should be scaled as we want to expand opportunities for Russian companies to participate in the 'Made in Russia' program in partnership with major business associations and government agencies, which are also responsible for the certification system," Nikishina explained. She also stated that the meaning of the new concept is to give a company a stylized check mark called a ‘birdie’, which is a REC symbol, if it passes the voluntary certification in any field and receives a certificate.
“Both the Russian Export Center and the companies themselves have been promoting this ‘birdie’ abroad for several years; it symbolizes the advantages of Russian products, its extra quality elements. Therefore, exporters who receive the ‘birdie’ will enjoy additional support and a competitive advantage at the same time," the REC head said.
"The 'Made in Russia' birdie is a kind of mascot for many exporters. We want to maximize the effect of the promotion of Russian products not through the promotion of specific brands, but precisely through the promotion of an umbrella brand," Nikishina added.
Before approving the new program, the Russian Export Center invited companies, interested ministries and departments, and anyone else who cares about the image of Russian products to discuss the updated concept. The first results of branding will be summarized at the Made in Russia International Export Forum, organized by the REC from 20-22 October 2022 at the Moscow Manege.
The 25th SPIEF took place in St. Petersburg from 15 to 18 June. Sputnik was an official media partner of the event.