Russia-Nigeria trade relations will increase with purchase of agricultural products – Envoy

Deputy Head of Mission, Russia Embassy, Valery Shaposhnikov, on Monday said that the trade volume beteen Russia and Nigerian will increase with the buying of agricultural produce from the country by Russia.
Shaposhnikov said this at a news conference to unveil the Nigeria-Russia Chamber of Commerce and industry (NRCCI) in Abuja, founded by its Chairman and Zenith Labour Party candidate in the Nov. 6 Anambra governorship election, Dr Obiora Okonkwo.
Shaposhnikov put the trade between Nigeria and his country at US$ 600 million and attributed the low trade volume to non-purchase of Nigeria’s crude oil by Russia.
He said that more Russian companies were willing to buy Nigerian products provided they meet international standards.
According to Shaposhnikov, the trade volume is not based on oil transaction, because Russia does not buy oil from Nigeria.
“When we talk about trade volumes with other countries, practically all these volumes are based on oil transactions – buying and selling oil products and oil.
“In our case, the situation is more healthy, there is no oil transaction.
“We are supplying fertilizers, wheat, machineries to Nigeria and we are buying some agricultural products from Nigeria, maybe not so much as you would like to see and not so much as we will like to buy but the products you are selling should be good and meet international standards and when it is done the volume will rise.”
Shaposhnikov said that some companies in Russia were interested in buying agricultural produce in Nigeria, adding that “we want companies here to produce more high standard products and also to provide that these products meet international standards.”
He said that as soon as that was done, the volume of trade may be higher.
Dr Obiora Okonkwo, the Zenith Labour Party candidate in the Nov. 6 Anambra governorship election and chairman NRCCI, said that the commerce platform would enable Nigeria to explore business relations with Russia .
Okonkwo said that it would also promote economic growth, technology transfer, development and also foster better understanding for both countries.
He expressed happiness that a new foundation had been laid and Nigeria could only work to reap the benefits.
“The principal objectives of Nigeria and Russian chambers of commerce is to promote commerce, industry, trade and ancillary services.
“It will also foster, advance and protect commercial, industrial, trade and professional enterprises without limitation.
Okonkwo said that as a chamber of Commerce and Industry, NRCCI would provide and develop business services to members and respond to enquiries; collect, analyse and disseminate information.
This, he said, included statistics and other economic and business information on all subjects of interest to members.
He added that it would also provide educational and industrial courses, including higher educational and career advisory services to members.
He said this would encourage, establish and support employment initiatives for the start-up of businesses and enterprises.
Okonkwo said that NRCCI would also act as marketing agents and provide recruitment services; provide resources for the protection of traders and manufacturers.
He added that it would organise seminars, symposia, conferences, trade fairs and exhibitions for the promotion of business and technological advancement in industry, agriculture and manufacturing.