Siberian regions may be divided into three categories from an economic standpoint: those rich in natural resources (coal, oil and
gas, timber, non-ferrous metal ore, lead ore, and asbestos), those with scarce natural resources, and those not rich and/or devoid
of natural resources. The regions belonging to the first category have enjoyed greater investment than the two latter categories.
The Siberian economy is dominated by natural resources and industrial production. Though the production of consumer goods
and the service sector is quite low in Siberia, the production of durable goods fabricated by defense plants (such as washing
machines, radio and TV sets, vacuum cleaners, and refrigerators) is at a level similar to that in Russia overall. The data tables
illustrate many characteristics of Siberian regions including their portions of various industries, and a comparison of Western and
Eastern Siberia in Russia’s total production volume. Thanks to the conversion of military plants, the share of durable goods in the
total Siberian industrial output has gone up recently. At the same time, the Siberian share of raw material production has been on
the decrease. This is due to the depletion of energy resources (oil, gas, and coal) and to lower levels of investment in the fuel and
energy sector. But despite the advanced nature of the manufacturing industry in Siberia, its regions in this time of change still
depend strongly on their wealth in natural resources. Possessing such resources gives them a chance to vie for export
opportunities.