Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 14 August (BelTA) – Belarusian Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich believes that Belarus is able to expand food exports to Russia in a way that will not have a negative impact on the domestic market. The Premier made this statement as he visited the Krinitsa company where he discussed beer industry performance over the past seven months and the fulfillment of the President’s instructions to promote the industry, BelTA has learned.

“We are ready to boost exports to Russia, and this will not be detrimental to the home market. My statements are based on the production and sales balances we have drafted,” Mikhail Myasnikovich said.

According to the Premier, Belarus’ food supplies to Russia will be increased by means of output growth.

The head of government noted that today Belarusian commodities account for a rather significant share of Russia’s imports. Figures vary depending on a commodity type. For example, Belarus accounts for 16-18% of beef and about 40% of cheese imported by Russia.

Head of the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) Sergei Dankvert said that Belarus could double its cheese exports to Russia. A number of Belarusian cheese makers have already confirmed their plans to boost the export. The talks about the supplies of Belarusian foodstuffs to Russia were held in Moscow. The parties agreed to work out a long-term supply strategy.

It was reported earlier that on 6 August Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signed the Executive Order On Special Economic Measures to Protect the Russian Federation’s Security. This document imposes immediate bans, for one year, on imports of certain agricultural products originating from the countries that supported anti-Russian sanctions. The document reads that these measures are aimed to protect the national interests of the Russian Federation. The document bans the import of pork, beef, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, fruits and vegetables from Australia, Canada, the European Union, the United States, and Norway.