‘Produce exports to Russian market expected to start within two months’

AMMAN — The Kingdom is scheduled to start exporting fruits and vegetables to the Russian market within two months, a government official said on Thursday.

A Russian delegation representing a private sector company, which will handle the produce exports in cooperation with local traders and farmers, met with private and public sector representatives over the past week, Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

“The Russian delegation’s visit was designed to pave the way for signing an agreement with local exporters of fruits and vegetables to commence exporting agricultural produce to the Russian market within two months,” Haddadin said.

The Russian delegation visited several farms and toured areas where fruit is cultivated, he added, noting that the delegates showed readiness to import local produce.

“Preparations are under way to hold a meeting with the Amman Chamber of Commerce, the Jordan Customs Department and the private sector to facilitate exports to Russia.”

The Russian company will handle the transportation of the fruit and vegetables to Russia, Haddadin said.

“Most probably, it will export the produce to Russia via the Haifa port,” he added.

The government has been negotiating to open the Russian market to agricultural produce for over a year now.
Several official visits have taken place to address challenges, mainly the transportation of the produce and the customs duties imposed by Russia.
Jordan eyes entry into the Russian market as an important step, since exports to it will be equal to all exports to Europe, according to the ministry, which said agricultural exports to Russia are limited at the moment.

Opening the Russian market is also important because of the decline in agricultural exports due to the unrest in Syria and Iraq, the ministry said.

“The country will be exporting mainly vegetables to the Russian market, such as tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers, in addition to olive oil,” Haddadin said.