Brazil wants BRICS structure to leverage farming exports to Russia

In tandem with the BRICS summit, the Brazilian government has progressed discussions to streamline agricultural exports to Russia. The plan aims to transition Brazilian exports to a solely electronic certification system, expediting the entry of products into Russia.

“We want all products currently exported or to be exported to Russia to be free of paper documentation. This is crucial as it reduces costs, saves time, and prevents containers from being held up awaiting clearance,” said Luis Rua, Secretary for Trade and International Relations at Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, speaking to CNN.

The topic was addressed in a bilateral meeting with Russia’s Minister of Agriculture, Oksana Lut, on Thursday (24). Rua expressed optimism that this streamlining process would be implemented swiftly, noting that technological adjustments, rather than political obstacles, are the primary hurdles.

Despite Brazil’s diminished role as Russia’s top meat supplier since 2017, it remains a major trading partner in agricultural products such as soybeans, cocoa, and meats. Rua also noted the potential for expanding trade beyond the current narrow range of products.

Additionally, Rua took the opportunity to urge for the lifting of the Russian embargo on Brazilian poultry exports from Rio Grande do Sul. Russia imposed restrictions following a Newcastle disease outbreak in the state in July. Rua pointed out that the 90-day period since the outbreak has passed, meaning Rio Grande do Sul products are once again eligible for export.

On Thursday morning, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) announced Brazil’s status as Newcastle disease-free, bolstering the country’s case to lift any remaining sanctions on poultry exports from the state.

BRICS Summit

Rua represented Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Presided over by Russia, the event included leaders from China, India, Egypt, Iran, the UAE, Ethiopia, and South Africa, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva participating remotely.

Rua described Brazil’s presence as “very positive,” enabling progress on key issues such as alternative currencies in trade, food security, and climate resilience.

Upcoming Travel

Returning to Brazil on Friday (25), Rua is scheduled to travel to Thailand and Japan next week to attend the annual meeting of Commercial Sectors from Embassies and diplomatic attachés. The trip will also involve bilateral talks, with key topics including beef exports to Japan and expanding foot-and-mouth disease-free zones to allow pork exports from Santa Catarina and Paraná.

Source: CNN Brasil

Click here to view the original reporting: https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/economia/macroeconomia/governo-aproveita-brics-para-facilitar-exportacoes-do-agro-para-a-russia/

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