Malaysia opens its market for Russian livestock products

Rosselkhoznadzor discussed with the competent departments of Malaysia the issues of mutual access of products of animal origin to the markets of the two countries

On November 26, Assistant Head of the Rosselkhoznadzor Artem Daushev held talks via videoconference with the Department of Veterinary Services of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry and the Department of Food Quality and Safety of the Ministry of Health of Malaysia. The meeting was also attended by attache for agriculture in Malaysia Vladislav Chernov.

The talks were devoted to the possibility of bilateral supplies of livestock products to the markets of Russia and Malaysia.

It was noted that Russian producers are interested in obtaining the right to export beef, poultry, lamb and dairy products to Malaysia. In this regard, the Rosselkhoznadzor previously sent information related to ensuring the quality and safety of such goods in Russia.

The Malaysian representatives reported that they had begun a study of the data and a risk assessment procedure. This phase of work is expected to be completed by the end of 2021. The Russian side will also send additional data to Malaysia on enterprises interested in exporting.

Artem Daushev noted that Russian producers successfully ship dairy and meat products to a large number of countries, including those located in Asia.

It is emphasized that Russia can even supply beef to Brazil, a country that is itself one of the largest exporters of this type of meat.

The Malaysian side assured that after completing the risk assessment procedure regarding the import of dairy products and beef from the Russian Federation, it would be ready to start similar work with respect to poultry meat.

The analysis of the information provided for this category of goods can only be completed by the end of the second quarter of 2022. In this regard, the Rosselkhoznadzor announced that it was interested in speeding up this procedure and recalled that in the Russian Federation there is a principle of regionalization of the country for dangerous animal diseases, including avian influenza. In addition, there is a system of electronic veterinary certification of livestock products.

These factors make it impossible to move products from regions where outbreaks of animal diseases have been identified. Thus, the risk of exporting contaminated products abroad is also prevented. The competent departments of many countries importing Russian meat have recognized the effectiveness of the system in place on the territory of the Russian Federation to ensure the quality and safety of controlled goods.

In 2022, Malaysian colleagues will also begin to study the materials sent by Rosselkhoznadzor and consider the possibility of importing mutton from Russia.

In turn, Malaysian producers are showing interest in exporting fish and poultry products to Russia. Earlier, the Rosselkhoznadzor sent the Malaysian side information on the procedure for accessing products to the Russian market. In case of questions, the Service is ready to provide explanations.

The parties confirmed that they were interested in speeding up work aimed at opening the markets of Russia and Malaysia for mutual supplies of livestock products, and also agreed to exchange working contacts to improve communication and prompt resolution of issues.