Agro trade turnover between Russia, Serbia rises 7.5% to $517 mln in 2020 - Agriculture Ministry
MOSCOW. July 2 (Interfax) - Agricultural trade turnover between Russia and Serbia in 2020 totaled $517 million, a rise of 7.5% year-on-year, Russia's Agriculture Ministry said in a statement following the meetings in Belgrade, Serbia, between Dmitry Patrushev, head of the ministry, and Serbian President Alexander Vucic and Branislav Nedimovic, Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Minister.
"Trade turnover in agricultural products and food between our countries has shown positive dynamics. Last year, despite the pandemic, it grew almost 7.5% to about $517 million. Growth was noted in both exports and imports of Russian products," Patrushev said during the meeting with Nedimovic.
Russia is also ready to boost exports of high-quality food to Serbia. Patrushev said that the Serbian side has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing meat and dairy products from Russian producers, and the matter is currently being developed.
The current agreement between Russia and Serbia regarding quarantine and plant protection has been a positive factor in the rise in trade turnover, rendering it possible to expedite and simplify the procedure for transferring fruit and vegetables across the border. Work is also underway to integrate information systems for traceability, which should improve exchanging data efficiently on goods and products under quarantine, the ministry said in its press release.
During his meeting with Vucic, Patrushev noted that owing to Serbia's independent foreign policy, it is possible to build an equal and mutually beneficial partnership with all interested countries, including Russia. An active political dialogue is underway between Russia and Serbia, covering a wide range of international issues. Meantime, there is a solid base for strengthening relations going forward.
"We hope that the agreement, which comes into force on July 10, on a free trade zone between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Serbia, will facilitate the development of cooperation. The document establishes favorable conditions for supplying various types of goods and products to the markets of our respective countries," Patrushev emphasized.