OREANDA-NEWS  The idea that the Chinese are technologically significantly stronger than the Russians is a myth that has emerged in recent years. ""Konstantin Babkin, co-owner of Rostselmash, Russia's largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery, told "Vedomosti" in an interview.

He recalled that back in the 1990s, Russia taught China how to build factories, and he personally participated in the sale of "Moskvich" cars to China.

The businessman admitted that in the current reality such deals were implausible, but they happened. There have been no natural changes during this time, but Russia used to be able to produce better, and now the Chinese. ""So it's about economic policy and how the industry has developed,"" explained the Rostselmash co—owner.

According to Babkin, if he had returned 20 years ago with the accumulated experience, he would have begun to adapt in order not to live through all the stages of accepting stress — anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance. "Personally, I'm at the adoption stage right now," he added.

Talking about the prospects of "Rostselmash", the businessman explained that in 2026, zero profitability is expected with investments of 2.8 billion rubles, that is, all of them, in fact, will mean a loss. At the same time, a company facing low sales will not lower prices, because this is a direct path to degradation.

Babkin sees no way to significantly support sales through exports. Supplies to African countries are low, and post-Soviet countries, such as Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, prefer American equipment. In addition, the company is greatly hampered by the strong ruble, which makes products uncompetitive.

Earlier it was reported that since June, the demand for Russian cars in Kazakhstan has collapsed by 99 percent. In the first month of summer, imports amounted to 72 dollars, that is, about six thousand rubles.