Russia wants to double agro-exports to Africa

Russia plans to increase exports of agricultural and food products to African countries by another $5 billion in the coming years. That would be a big doubling.

The announcement comes from Russian Deputy Agriculture Minister Sergei Lewin who spoke about the matter at the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi. That reports the Polish news site Farmer.pl† Russian President Putin spoke with about 40 African leaders last week, with which he wants to accelerate Russia's advance on this continent.

Growing sales
Exports of Russian agricultural products to Africa last year were worth $4,6 billion, a 73% growth compared to 2016. This mainly concerns wheat, barley, vegetable oils, poultry meat and fish products.

Until now, Russia's exports to Africa have mainly focused on the North African countries. Lewin announced that the country is expanding into the African continent. He also spoke about Russian investments in the African agri-food sector and infrastructure that are in the pipeline.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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