Russia sees the potential for increasing deliveries of grain, sunflower oil, confectionery and other products to African countries, the head of the Russian Ministry of Agriculture Dmitry Patrushev told reporters.
"We see significant potential in the supply of cereals - wheat, barley, - sunflower oil, poultry, confectionery and soft drinks. In addition, Russian producers of fish products can increase the supply of frozen fish, in particular mackerel and blue whiting," Patrushev said in on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in Sochi. He noted that Russia is one of the ten largest suppliers of key food products to African countries, the total agricultural exports to the continent in January-September this year amounted to $ 2.256 billion.
The main export goods for Russia at the moment are wheat, sunflower and soybean oil. Egypt is the leader among consumers of Russian food, followed by Sudan, Nigeria, Algeria and Morocco. "We consider the countries of Africa as reliable partners with whom we can conduct a full-fledged and constructive dialogue, expand and deepen a mutually beneficial collaboration," said the head of the Ministry of Agriculture.
Patrushev recalled that Russian President Vladimir Putin has set the goal of securing $ 20 billion worth of agricultural exports from Russia by 2024, and Africa is one of the most promising areas for supplies. "Our country is ready to meet the growing needs of the continent," the Minister said. "Africa is our target market, in any case we will work to increase exports, the products we produce are interesting in principle for any region, but Africa can potentially purchase a large enough volume and help us achieve export indicators set by May decrees (of the President of Russia - ed.). We will work with Africa in the format of today's summit, and we will travel there separately and establish contacts," Patrushev said.
Source: zol.ru.
