In a significant development for international trade, Russia and North Korea have agreed to commence the export of apples from North Korea to Russia.
Potential for Expansion
This agreement was reported by Lenta, citing a statement from the press service of Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia's Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance.
During bilateral negotiations in June 2024, North Korean representatives expressed strong interest in exporting quarantine-controlled products to Russia. Both nations recognized the substantial potential for expanding trade, particularly through the supply of apples.
Rosselkhoznadzor confirmed that all concerns from the North Korean side were addressed, leading to the agreement on the commencement of apple shipments.
Trade Agreements
Sergey Dankvert, head of Rosselkhoznadzor, previously stated that there are no obstacles to the importation of apples and ginseng from North Korea into Russia
Kim Su Chor, Deputy Chairman of the North Korean Committee for Quality Control of Import and Export Products and Quarantine, also expressed interest in purchasing agricultural animals and dairy products from Russia.
The key outcome of the negotiations was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation in the field of plant quarantine between the two countries. Additionally, Russia and North Korea agreed to collaborate on the supply of around 30 test systems for diagnosing animal diseases.
This strengthening of ties could lead to a significant increase in trade turnover, which saw a nine-fold rise by the end of 2023 and a further 54 percent increase from January to May 2024.
