Russian Minister visits Australia for trade talks

Media release

16 March 2011

Trade Minister Craig Emerson will explore ways of strengthening commercial ties with Russia when that country's Minister for Agriculture, Dr Elena Skrynnik, visits Australia from today.

Announcing the visit, Dr Emerson said: "Dr Skrynnik's decision to come to Australia highlights the growing trade relationship between the two countries in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region."

High on the three-day agenda for the visiting Minister is the third Australia-Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC), to be held in Sydney on 17 March.

At this event, Dr Emerson and Dr Skrynnik will cover such topics as market access for Australian agriculture and Russia's key interests in developing its commercial relationship with Australia.

Two-way merchandise trade with Russia was worth more than A$1.2 billion in 2010, with Australian exports at A$850 million.

Russia is also a substantial investor in Australia, and a large importer of Australian meat and live cattle. These imports help support the expansion of Russia's agri-industry.

Australia and Russia, increasingly, are partners in regional forums, including the Asia Pacific Economic Community (APEC), which Russia will host in 2012, and the East Asia Summit.

On the global stage, Australia and Russia are partners in the G20. Australia supports Russia's accession to the World Trade Organisation.

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