MALAYSIA'S EXPORT OF SEAFOOD PRODUCTS TO RUSSIA EXPECTED TO RESUME BY YEAR-END

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 1, (Bernama)-- Malaysia’s export of seafood products to Russia
is expected to resume by the year-end.

This follows discussions between the Malaysia External Trade Development
Corporation (MATRADE) and Russia’s Ministry of Agriculture and the Federal
Service of Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor).

In a statement Monday, MATRADE said, in order to revoke the current ban and
expedite the process of re-starting Malaysian seafood exports to Russia,
Rosselkhoznadzor has proposed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to be
initiated with the relevant Malaysian agency.

In January last year, Rosselkhoznadzor issued its requirements with regard to
approved Malaysian seafood processing establishments, permitted to export
products to Russia.

In May this year, Malaysian authorities had a meeting in Russia to further
discuss import requirements.

MATRADE chief executive officer, Noharuddin Nordin said: "The discussions
between MATRADE and the Russian authorities was very fruitful.

"There is a clear willingness by both sides in wishing to meet all
conditions in order to fast-track the recommencement of Malaysian seafood exports to
Russia."

In 2009, Russia’s seafood imports were valued at US$1.63 billion.

Among Asean exporters, Malaysia is ranked fourth after Vietnam, Thailand and
Indonesia in respect of seafood exports to Russia, amounting to RM2.11 million
in 2009.

Seafood exports to Russia include crustaceans (shrimp, prawn and lobster), fish
and cephalopods (squid, cuttlefish and octopus).
--BERNAMA