UPDATE: Putin signs decree to prolong food import ban till Dec 31, 2017
(Adds comment of agriculture minister in paragraphs 2–4)
MOSCOW, Jun 29 (PRIME) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to extend a food import ban, introduced in retaliation for Western sanctions, until December 31, 2017, according to a document published on the official Web site for legal data on Wednesday.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachyov said the move will have a positive impact on planning of the agriculture industry development and investments.
“It will create conditions for planning investment in the industry, increasing quality and competitiveness of Russian food… It is excellent news for national agricultural producers,” Tkachyov told reporters.
“It is not planned to expand the list of agricultural products and foods, it is only about prolongation,” the minister added.
In 2014, relations between Russia and the West deteriorated to their worse since the Cold War due to a military conflict in Ukraine. The West introduced sanctions against some Russian individuals and firms and further against the energy and banking sectors. In response, Russia limited food imports from some countries, including the U.S., the E.U., Canada, Australia, and Norway.
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