The Minister of economic development Alexei Ulyukayev proposed ASEAN (Association of South-East Asia) to increase exports of agricultural products in the Russian Federation. With this initiative, he acted on the advice of the Ministers of economy of the ASEAN - Russia.

Russia on August 7 year imposed an embargo on the import of key food groups from the USA, EU, Australia, Canada, Norway, previously initiated and supported sanctions against the Russian economy and the number of persons in conditions of political crisis caused by the situation in Ukraine. The embargo affects, in particular, meat and dairy products.

"I would like to draw your attention to the opening for ASEAN opportunities for supply of agricultural products. It is, in particular, on fresh vegetables, fruits. We're very familiar with the high quality standards of agricultural production in your countries, and we will welcome the export of your products in Russia, including nuts, beef, pork and chicken", - said the speaker.

According to the Minister, the trade turnover between Russia and ASEAN amounted to $17.5 billion this year we have already passed that figure. And by the end of 2014 figure could rise by 6% compared with last year", - said the head of the Ministry of economic development.

The speaker believes that Russia and ASEAN countries should make greater efforts in the development of investment cooperation. "Today, the total investments of Russia in ASEAN countries amount to $1.6 billion, and they can be much higher," he stressed. So, according to the Minister, the planned Russian investments in projects with Vietnam is estimated at $20 billion, with Indonesia about $7 billion

In an interview with reporters the speaker added that during the consultations, representatives from all ASEAN countries expressed willingness to increase the supply of agricultural products in the Russian Federation, to strengthen cooperation in the promotion of goods, conducting selhozvystavki, etc. Moreover, the Minister said, this is not about one-off exports, and the creation of the necessary infrastructure, logistics centres, including in Russia.

Increasing the supply of agricultural exports from these countries can be "estimated that in a short time - 30-40%, and for the longer term, I think they can be increased significantly", said the speaker.