On April 7, a working meeting was held in Moscow between the head of the Rosselkhoznadzor, Sergey Dankvert, and the Deputy Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Alireza Peman Pak.
From the Russian side, the event was attended by officials of the Office of the Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation R. G. Abdulatitov, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture.
From the Iranian side, Iranian Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali, as well as representatives of industry unions and companies.
The parties confirmed their intention to progressively develop bilateral trade relations, to promote a constructive dialogue between the competent departments and the business circles of Russia and Iran.
Rosselkhoznadzor said that it sees prospects in increasing supplies from Iran of tomatoes, peppers, white, Beijing and cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, garlic, celery and various types of salads, which can find their niche in the domestic market during the off-season. Iranian producers also export fruits, herbs and nuts to Russia.
As for livestock products, Iran may increase the supply of seafood, including shrimp, as well as start exporting animal feed and fish. The export of dairy products from Iran continues: cheese, butter, cream in consumer packaging are delivered to Russia. After the reconstruction, the international checkpoint Yarag-Kazmalyar (Republic of Dagestan) begins its work, the import of products through which will significantly simplify logistics between countries.
The expansion of trade opportunities between countries should be facilitated by the convergence of systems of plant quarantine and protection and veterinary surveillance. The parties agreed to comprehensively study, including during mutual visits, the mechanisms used and the regulatory documents regulating them.
In particular, the priorities are: the equivalence of approaches to the traceability of raw materials used, the control of animal diseases, laboratory tests for the quality and safety of products, including the presence of residues of antibacterial drugs. In terms of crop production, the parties plan to promptly complete work on an agreement in the field of the safe use of pesticides and agrochemicals, as well as to bring together plant protection systems from quarantine objects.
The Iranian side said that it was interested in increasing the volume of imports of grains and oilseeds from Russia, and also expressed its intention to cooperate through scientific institutes involved in the production of veterinary vaccines.
In conclusion, an agreement was reached to create a working group, which will include representatives of the competent departments and industry associations, to promptly resolve issues arising in bilateral trade.