Minister: Russia not to open market soon after food embargo lift

MOSCOW, Feb 1 (PRIME) -- Russia seeks to maintain agricultural growth rates and does not plan to open its markets for imports right after the food embargo is lifted, Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov said at the All-Russia Agricultural Meeting on Wednesday.

“If there is demand (for Russia-made goods), we want to produce more. We want to compete, to boost output, income and capital. I hope the sanctions will save us today. We are ready to make it in this environment. Of course, they will come to an end someday,” the official said.

“Even when the sanctions are lifted, we do not intend to open all markets simultaneously. We will develop a selective systemic approach to prevent destruction of our own market, to keep our interest in agricultural producers, our business, our work and to feel the government backing us.”

The minister is sure that after the crisis is over, the quality of life will rise, and Russian people will spend their money on the consumer market.

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