By the end of 2017, the growth of non-oil non-energy exports amounted to 23%. "But if you look at the structure of exports in historical perspective, it is rather conservative, opportunistic nature. That is our traditional exporting companies years deliver products to the traditional markets," the Deputy Minister said in an interview with RIA Novosti on the sidelines of a Russian investment forum.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the Russian Federation is objective is to reach 7-8% annual stable growth of non-oil exports. "At the same time to increase production volumes in the domestic market is already quite difficult. Yes, there remains potential for import substitution, but much of that could be replaced at the expense of state support programmes and exchange rate differences have been done. And projects related to different kinds of development, localization of production, development of new competencies is a more complex process, tangible results which we will see in the future," says Osmakov.

In his opinion, in such a situation only the export of non-oil and non-energy, can become a driver for structural changes in the Russian economy.

Recently, there have been a number of strategic sessions with first Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov on the search for breakthrough solutions in exports and overcoming related barriers. "These barriers are well known: from the restrictions related to currency controls to different kinds of bureaucratic obstacles. There is also a purely mental problem. Russia takes the 29th place in terms of non-oil exports in the world and 76th in exports per capita. That is, export the mentality we have yet to form," said Sobesednik Agency.

"And, of course, affected by sanctions, which are not so much political as economic in nature and seriously hit our exporting companies. To reduce their influence can only diplomacy, actively working to open up new export markets", — says Osmakov.