There appears to be some room for a bypass, which means Greece would be able to export banned products to Russia after all. No official agreements have been made, but there are possibilities through a construction with joint ventures. The planned inspections of Greek companies by the Russian phytosanitary service are also still on the agenda. Director Nikita Michalkov wants to establish a Russian alternative to McDonald's, asking Putin for an investment. Russia is considering a temporary boycott of potatoes from India due to brown rot agent. Belaya Dacha is looking across the border, with the intent of establishing lettuce cultivation in a number of countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. The Moscow region wants to create guarantees for investments in greenhouse construction, so that the investment will still be worthwhile when the boycott comes to an end. Mexico and Argentina want to strengthen trade relations with Russia.
Greek 'bypass' for boycott
Although no official agreements were made on an end to the boycott during Greek prime minister Tsipras' visit to the Kremlin, there seems to be some room for a 'bypass'. The construction through which Greece would be able to circumvent the boycott is as follows: Greece and Russia will establish joint ventures that are registered in Russia. That way, Greek products aren't seen as import or export, but as Russian products. Through such a construction, Greece is able to circumvent the boycott. Putin reportedly suggested this construction for the import of peaches, strawberries, kiwis and lemons from Greece.
Russian inspection Greece still going ahead
During the meeting between the Greek prime minister and the Russian president earlier this week, no deals were made on partially lifting the sanctions. Nevertheless, the planned Russian inspections will still go ahead. On the list are twenty companies in the meat industry, which will be inspected for access to the Russian markets. These inspections don't apply to fruit and vegetables, a government guarantee is sufficient for those. Greece reportedly also wants to export seeds and seedlings to Russia. The inspection is planned for April 20, but offers no guarantee that the Russian borders will actually be opened up.
Putin to compete with McDonald's
The Russian president is having a study conducted to see if the government will take part in a Russian alternative to American fast food chains like McDonald's, Burger King and KFC. The idea for a Russian fast food alternative comes from director Nikita Michalkov. The chain will go by the name Let's Eat at Home! The director wants to set up the chain together with his brother, and is asking the government for a 17 million euro investment.
Russia considers temporary boycott potatoes from India
The Indian potato market is going through a difficult time. Potato prices are low. Many growers are selling produce below the cost price. On top of that, Russia is threatening to temporarily halt the import, because brown rot agent was discovered in a shipment. Prices in India vary strongly. Regions where many potatoes are grown, have low prices. In regions where potatoes aren't grown, prices are higher. The low price is caused by a surplus. The vast part, 80%, was harvested before March.
Belaya Dacha opens branch in Azerbaijan
Russian company Belaya Dacha is opening a lettuce cultivation company in Azerbaijan. According to Viktor Semenov, director of Belaya Dacha, he was approached by businessmen from Azerbaijan who knew he had plans to open a branch in the country. The company's international plans don't stop at Azerbaijan, with Belaya Dacha also looking to other countries in the Caucasus and Central Asia. Abkhazia and Kuban are reported to be attractive to provide European Russia with lettuce. Azerbaijan and Dagestan from a base for supplying to Siberia. Kazakhstan is also mentioned as an attractive location. Previously, expansion plans around St. Petersburg, Azov and Novosibirsk were postponed due to the economic situation in Russia.
Guarantees for Russian investors
The governor of Moscow says there need to be guarantees for investors who provide capital for the development of Russian agriculture. This way, the governor wants to prevent a "ludicrous situation" from arising when the sanctions are lifted. He pleads for strict quality controls by the phytosanitary service for imported products when the boycott is lifted. Another four investors reportedly confirmed to the government that they are looking to invest in greenhouse construction.
European produce on Moscow shelves
According to the head of the regional Ministry of Trade and Services, Alexei Nemeryuk, there are European products on Russian shelves. It's difficult to find out where the products originally came from, Alexei says. "It's all Belarusian, Belarusian oysters, Belarusian mandarins. Unfortunately the system is unclear in this respect, so these products are allowed to enter the country."
Trade relations Russia – Latin America
Between April 22 and 24, Argentine president Cristina Fernandes de Kirchner will visit her Russian colleague. Both countries are looking to promote trade between the countries. Argentina is Russia's most important trade partner in South America.
During the 'Days of Mexico' in Moscow and St. Petersburg, trade is also on the agenda. The days are planned for May. During a previous visit, an agreement was reached on a yet to be signed trade agreement between Mexico and Moscow.
North Caucasus able to increase market share
Thanks to investments in agriculture, the North Caucasus region is able to increase its market share, says minister of North Caucasus Affairs Lev Kuznetsov. He mainly sees opportunities for soft fruit, vegetables, turkey and grains. The region could reportedly obtain a share in the market of 15%.