28 May 2004 03:44
Russia to limit grain exports to 4 mln tonnes in 2004
LIPETSK. May 28 (Interfax) - Russia plans to limit its grain exports to 3-4 million tonnes in 2004 if at least 73
million tonnes are harvested, Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeyev told a press conference in Lipetsk on Friday.
"This is explained by the need to balance both the world and domestic grain markets," Gordeyev said.
"It is good that many people have come to understand today that grain is a strategic commodity, like gold and
foreign currency reserves. The state should play the decisive role here," Gordeyev said.
Grain prices in Russia have reached the world level, and if this situation remains stable in the coming years, an
influx of investments will likely be seen in the crop-raising sector, he said.
The minister said he believes the government's job is to protect agricultural producers from the pressure of
monopolists. "This will be facilitated by a bill on agriculture development in Russia for the period to 2010, which
we will soon submit to the Duma. It envisions a number of anti-monopoly measures," Gordeyev said. [RU GRA EUROPE
ASIA EEU EMRG ECI POL] va tl <>
[Interfax] |
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