This weekend, the presidents of France, Ukraine and Russia and the chancellor of Germany agreed to meet on Wednesday in Minsk, to discuss a solution for East Ukraine. The starting point is the ceasefire, which was agreed upon in September last year, but hasn't been observed. The chance of the talks resulting in anything is small.
Thirteenth Russian aid convoy
Russia, meanwhile, is sending a thirteenth aid convoy to East Ukraine. In August, the first aid convoy caused quite a fuss. Although the discussion is still going, the 170 trucks with 1800 tonnes of supplies seem to be able to cross the border without too many problems and international commotion now.
Where the shrinking economy is causing problems for many Russians, there are also sectors that hope to profit from the weak rouble. It is hoped that the export of high-grade meat products, for instance, will increase in the near future.
Purchasing power Eastern Europe increases
In Eastern Europe, purchasing power is increasing. Polish inflation fell below zero for the second half of 2014. Expenditures are going up and the Eastern European workers have steady work more often, improving spending. The unemployment rates are going down, and wages are going up. Despite the negative tone that usually accompanies deflation, in this case deflation and low inflation appears to have increased real wages in the region. Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary are expected to grow.
Purchasing power Eastern Europe increases
In Eastern Europe, purchasing power is increasing. Polish inflation fell below zero for the second half of 2014. Expenditures are going up and the Eastern European workers have steady work more often, improving spending. The unemployment rates are going down, and wages are going up. Despite the negative tone that usually accompanies deflation, in this case deflation and low inflation appears to have increased real wages in the region. Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary are expected to grow.
South Africa main supplier citrus
South Africa has become the main supplier of fruit, particularly citrus, to Russia. About a quarter of all oranges on the Russian market come from South Africa. Since the trade between the nations was initiated twenty years ago, not a single shipment has been rejected on phytosanitary grounds, according to Mikhail Fateev, head of the food and agriculture department of the Russia-RSA Business Council. South African growers may have a problem, Technical Regulations for “Food production labeling” introduced by Eurasian Economic Commission and due for full enforcement in Russia from February 15, 2015, are difficult, expensive and in some cases impossible for implementation by SA Fruit industry. It is technologically not possible to carry out EAC labels sticking in ports of shipment without destruction of pallets prepared for long oceanic travel. Neither it’s possible to stick labels on cartons at packing houses: Fruits are packed for exports without correlation to a specific market.
ProMexico opens office in Russia
In order to promote trade between Mexico and Russia, ProMexico is opening an office in Russia. According to the Mexican company, several contracts are already said to be in various stages of negotiation.
China invests in export facilities
In the border region with Russia in the northeast of China, twenty new export facilities are to be built. Together, the centres will measure 67 hectares. Products including Chinese cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, cabbage, carrots, potatoes and tomatoes are to be exported to Russia from these storage and distribution centres. The volume is expected to increase by 50% because of this.