November 2, 2010

Malaysia's seafood export ban to Russia to be lifted

Malaysia's export of seafood products to Russia is expected to resume by the end of 2010, after authorities from both countries had reached an agreement.

The deal was discussed 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 on Monday (Nov 1), MATRADE said that 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 discussion 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," he said. 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 (US$681,000) in 2009.

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