LAJIC: Investigate doubts with respect to apple re-export to Russia urgently

Every doubt of potential re-export of apples to Russia must be investigated immediately since we must not allow that for one or two exporters endanger the Agreement on free trade with Russian, the minister of trade Rasim Ljajic said.

At the same time, it will be checked who our exporters are, how many of them there are and which quantities of apples leave Serbia, Lajic said for Novosti and announced the meeting with the Russian party upon that issue.

-We should not leave out any option and whatever information we get, we will announce them to partners. There is no reason to hide anything from the Russians. Control of our customs and border crossings have already been enforced since this is the second time since the beginning fo the year that doubt in re-export is communicated – the minister said.

Lajic reminded that in January, phyto-sanitary inspection of the Ministry of agriculture communicated with Russian bureau and that they agreed they will work on prevention of potential re-export.

Russian institution for agricultural products import supervision, "Roselkoznadzor" communicated earlier that they are worried for increased export of apples to Russia and suggested that they have consultations because of the issue.

-During the analysis of product quantities coming to Russia from Serbia, a significant increase in apple quantities was noticed. Therefore, "Roselkoznadzor" asked from authorities to have consultations and that information is provided with respect to apple production in Serbia and re-export of apples produced in third– the institution announced at its website.