Following a series of talks between representatives, Israel and Russia have agreed to sign a free trade agreement in the very near future. Russia's leading negotiator in these talks, Agriculture minister Sergey Levin, said the talks were a priority for the Russian government and included the vice prime minister, who plans to push the agreement through as soon as possible.
Israel's agriculture minister, Uri Ariel, who represented his country in the talks confirmed the agreement and added that the primary objectives of the pact are to allow mutual supply of agricultural produce between the countries, encourage joint projects, and implementing Israeli technologies in the Russian market.
Russia is one of the largest markets for Israeli agricultural exports and has maintained its importance despite recent economic turmoil in the country. Achieving more favorable trade conditions will also be seen as a boon for Israeli exporters. Russia on its end would stand to benefit greatly from increased implementation of hi-tech solutions, an area in which Israel is a global leader.
While the details of the agreement are yet to be put to paper, it has already been announced that Israel will build an agricultural research center in Russia to demonstrate technologies and methods. Meanwhile Russian officials will make visits to Israel to examine produce and identify trade opportunities.
Israel's minister Ariel concluded the talks saying "I am very happy that we were able to reach practical agreements. Israeli agriculture has a lot to offer and we are working on expanding agricultural exports, both of agricultural produce and agricultural technology and knowledge. I want to thank all the participants from both sides who helped make this deal possible."
