Russia and ASEAN to boost agricultural cooperation

Russia is planning to step up agricultural exports, mainly, grain, butter and meat, to the ASEAN Member States, the press service of the Russian Agriculture Ministry reported.

"There is potential for increased Russian exports to the ASEAN countries. We believe that grain crops, mineral water, fat-and-oil products and meat and meat products are the most promising food exports for the ASEAN countries," the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the ASEAN nations currently import more than $86 billion worth of agricultural products per year. That figure doesn't include Russia, whereas Russian agricultural and food exports to the ASEAN countries in 2015 stood at just $96 million.

The ministry thinks that the ASEAN "ten" could in turn boost exports of bananas, fish, sea products and nuts to Russia.