Minister calls on ASEAN countries to boost food exports to Russia

PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian Economic Development Minister Alexei Ulyukayev called on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to increase their food exports to Russia at a meeting in Myanmar’s capital Naypyidaw, according to RIA Novosti.

“I would like to draw your attention to the opportunities that present themselves to ASEAN countries in the sphere of agricultural exports, namely, fruit and vegetables. We are familiar with the high agricultural production standards of your countries and we would welcome the export of your foodstuffs to Russia, such as seafood, nuts, beef, pork, chicken, in addition to fruit and vegetables,” Ulyukayev said.

The Russian minister is in Myanmar to participate in the ministerial talks between Russia and ASEAN and the meeting of Russia-Myanmar international commission for trade and economic cooperation. The minister pointed out the gradual strengthening of Russia-ASEAN economic ties.

“Last year, the trade turnover between Russia and ASEAN reached $17.5 billion, and this year we have already topped that figure and expect a 6-percent rise compared to the last year,” the minister added.

Ulyukayev also spoke about the growth of Russian investments into ASEAN member states, with $20 billion planned for Vietnam, and $7 billion for Indonesia. The international commission meeting will be attended by 60 representatives of Russian companies keen on working with ASEAN countries.

Apart from economic cooperation, Russia and ASEAN are developing their military ties, as earlier in June it was announced that Russia was to take part in international naval exercises alongside ASEAN member states.

ASEAN is an international political and economic organization founded in 1967 that includes 10 countries from Asia’s southeast: Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.