Putin: boycott should last as long as possible

Putin declared how long the boycott should last. In addition, the country closed the borders for re-export of products from Guinea-Bissau, Afghanistan and San Marino. Direct import is allowed. Russia and Pakistan are seeking rapprochement with each other. Abu Dhabi invests significantly in the Russian food sector. The Russians harvest more greenhouse vegetables than last year, and Georgia trades with the EU more often thanks to an agreement.

According to reports, the Russian president wants to make the boycott last as long as possible. He would have said that during a meeting of the All-Russia People’s Front at the end of last month. In response to a question from a businessman, Putin said: “I understand you and I can whisper in your ear that we will make the boycott last as long as possible.”

The Russin phytosanitary service has announced a boycott against re-export from Guinea-Bissau, Afghanistan and San Marino. The boycott will be implemented from 28 November. The ban has been announced after transit from these countries increased significantly via Belarus. Direct export from these countries is the only export still allowed.

The ice between the old rivals Pakistan and Russia appears to be melting. The countries are consulting about the use of the deep sea port of Gwadar for the import and export of Russian goods. Last week, the countries consulted about the plans. It was the first time in 18 years that the two countries entered into negotiations.

Mubadala, Abu Dhabi’s state investment fund, wants to invest 200 million dollar in the Russian food sector. The Arabians have spotted part of the EFKO Group and AFG International, two large companies in the Russian food sector. In total, Abu Dhabi has an outstanding budget of two billion dollar via the Russian Direct Investment Fund.

The harvest of greenhouse vegetables has increased in Russia, according to the Ministry of Agriculture. Based on regional institutes, the complete harvest amounted to 607,100 tonnes in Russia on 29 November. That is an increase of 31 per cent compared with 2015, when that figure amounted to 462,400 tonnes. The cucumber harvest was 23 per cent higher with 409,400 tonnes (333,100 tonnes in 2015). The tomato harvest was at 182,500 tonnes, 53 per cent more than in 2015, when 119,400 tonnes were harvested. Additionally, 15,200 tonnes of other vegetables were harvested. 

In 2015, Georgia traded 16 per cent more often with the EU than during the previous year. Last year was the first complete calendar year in which the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area (DCFTA) became effective. Because of that agreement, a number of quotes and tariffs were dispensed with. Georgia mainly traded with the UK.