Putin: govt to approve proposal from Econ Ministry, Agriculture Ministry on meat import quotas
NOVO-STUPINO. July 22 (Interfax) - The government will approve "the proposal from the Economic Development Ministry and Agriculture Ministry concerning meat import quotas," Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said.
Russians will consume 3.5 million tonnes of poultry meat this year, he said. Domestic production will total 3.150 million tonnes. Thus, the government will allow imports of 350,000 tonnes, he said, recalling that just a few years ago Russia was importing 1 million tonnes of chicken meat a year.
As for pork, consumption will total 3 million tonnes in 2011. Domestic production will fall short of that figure by 600,000-650,000 tonnes, which will be made up with imports, he said.
Growth in poultry meat production is expected to total 330,000 tonnes next year and there will be a significant decline in pork imports due to rising domestic production.
"During talks with the WTO we are examining other parameters, but they can only be approved once an overall agreement with the WTO has been reached," Putin said.