NDN Staffer
MOSCOW, August 1 — Namibia is interested in increasing wheat and seed potato shipments from Russia, according to a meeting between representatives of the two countries agriculture ministries at the Russia-Africa forum in St. Petersburg last week.
Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s federal agency for veterinary and phytosanitary supervision, asked the Namibian delegates for their current phytosanitary requirements, including quality control and safety standards for grain, plant products, GMOs, and pesticides. The Namibian delegation also expressed their desire to get acquainted with the Russian system of phytosanitary control and showed interest in training their specialists at the training centre of the All-Russian Research Institute of Plant Quarantine.
The meeting also considered the issues of expanding the range of seeds and planting material, fruits and vegetables for import from Namibia to Russia.
According to the Grain Union, wheat shipments from Russia to Namibia in the 2021/2022 agricultural year totalled 15,400 tonnes. This represents a significant increase from the previous year when only 7,000 tonnes of wheat were exported from Russia to Namibia.
The growing interest in agricultural trade between Russia and Namibia is a positive development for both countries. Russia is a major producer of wheat and seed potatoes, while Namibia is a major producer of fruits and vegetables. By expanding trade in these products, both countries can benefit from each other’s strengths.
The meeting in St. Petersburg was a productive step towards increasing agricultural trade between Russia and Namibia. It is expected that further discussions will be held in the near future to finalize the details of the agreement.
Benefits of Increased Trade
There are a number of benefits that could be realized from increased trade between Russia and Namibia in agricultural products. For Russia, it would provide an opportunity to export more of its wheat and seed potatoes, which are in high demand around the world. For Namibia, it would provide access to a new market for its fruits and vegetables, which could help to boost the country’s agricultural sector.
In addition, increased trade between the two countries could help to create jobs and boost economic growth in both countries. It could also help to improve food security in both countries, as each country would have access to a wider range of agricultural products.
Conclusion
The meeting between representatives of the agriculture ministries of Russia and Namibia was a positive step towards increasing agricultural trade between the two countries. There are a number of potential benefits that could be realized from increased trade, including job creation, economic growth, and improved food security. It is expected that further discussions will be held in the near future to finalize the details of the agreement.
