Azernews.Az

By Jamila Babayeva

Russia has permitted imports of Georgian vegetables and fruits into its markets- products with high phytosanitary risk.

"The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) reported that imports of vegetables, fruit, berries and potatoes from Georgia are resumed since May 26," the Georgian ministry reported. It went on to added that the products have phytosanitary and re-export certificates from the Georgian Agriculture Ministry's National Food Agency.

Russia banned agriculture supplies from Georgia in 2006 due to quality issues. The brief war between the two countries in 2008 led to the restriction of trade relations.

Exports of Georgian wine and mineral water to the Russian market were resumed in May 2013. Later the Russian market were allowed to import tea and bay leaves from Georgia. In autumn 2013 imports of Georgian citrus, nuts, greens and some fruits were resumed.

Georgian Agriculture Minister Shalva Pipia welcomed the Russian side decision.

"This was another result of the talks we started with Rosselkhoznadzor in 2013," he said.

The export of Georgian goods to the Russian market increased by two times in 2013.

Russia bought almost half of all wine exported by Georgia in 2013. The reopening of the Russian market to Georgia's goods helps it to increase its local agriculture, alcoholic and non- alcoholic beverage production.