Delegation leaves for Russia to discuss agricultural exports

AMMAN — A delegation left for Russia on Sunday to discuss facilitating exports of fruits and vegetables to the Russian market, according to a government official.

The delegation is led by Agriculture Minister Akef Zu’bi and includes Jordan Customs Department Director Munther Assaf and several private sector representatives, the ministry’s spokesperson, Nimer Haddadin, said.

“During the visit, which concludes on Thursday, the delegation will meet with a major Russian private firm that imports fruits and vegetables from around the world,” Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

In addition, the delegation will discuss the possibility of establishing a centre in Jordan that handles the transportation of produce exports to Russia.

“Farmers and exporters in Jordan face challenges regarding transport and cost; therefore, the delegation will also discuss exporting produce to Russia via the Mediterranean Sea,” Haddadin noted.

The government has been negotiating for opening the Russian market to agricultural produce for over a year now. 

Several official visits have taken place to address challenges to exports, mainly the customs duties imposed by Russia.

The ministry first announced its negotiations with Moscow over the issue in January last year.

Jordan eyes entry into the Russian market as a big and important step, since exports to it will be equal to all exports to Europe, Zu’bi said in previous remarks.

The planned agreement with Moscow is also important because agricultural exports dropped due to the unrest in Syria and Iraq, according to the ministry, which said that tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers and strawberries will be the main items exported to Russia.

Agricultural exports to the Russian market are limited at the moment, according to the ministry.