Russia's Federal Agency for Fishery proposes Brazil lower import duties for Russian fish, simplify attestation procedure for suppliers

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) - Russia's Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo) sees Brazil as a promising export market for fish and fish and crab products, and has proposed that the country simplify the attestation procedure enabling Russian producers to supply the Brazilian market, as well as lower import duties.

Rosrybolovstvo said that these matters had been discussed during talks between agency head Ilya Shestakov and Brazilian Minister of Fishing and Aquaculture Rivetla Edipo Araujo Cruz in Brazil.

"A significant part of the talks was dedicated to trade. Russia sees Brazil as a promising market for exports of pollock, cod, haddock, herring, surimi and crab products. At the meeting, a proposal was made to simplify the attestation procedure for Russian producers and lower import duties for them," the statement reads.

According to data from Russian agricultural watchdog Rosselkhoznadzor, 68 Russian companies and vessels currently hold the right to ship produce to Brazil.

As reported, Russia began exporting fish and fish produce to Brazil earlier this year. "We have begun supplying our fish to the Brazilian market. So far, the amounts are very small. We primarily see potential in pollock, cod and herring," Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut said in February. She also said that Brazil had high import duties for this produce.

A study conducted by the Russian Fisheries Association (VARPE) showed that the potential of Russian fish exports to Brazil is 32,300 tonnes per year, with high potential for exports of cod, pollock, herring, Pacific salmon and advanced processing products.

Rosrybolovstvo proposed increasing collaboration between research organizations in both countries, and Brazil confirmed its interest in collaborating in genetics, technology and shipbuilding research.