Info Thailand

Cooperation in investment area between Russia and Thailand in 2009-2013
According to the Federal service of statistics

Dynamics of investment from Thailand to Russia (in thousand Dollars USA)

Export/import of Thailand in/out Russia

Despite of sanctions and talks about the Russian currency saturation Thailand sends top quality pork to Russia

Under West sanctions Russia seeks foodstuffs supplies from Asia to fill the gap. Russia became interested in importing pork from Thailand after the country banned the imports of all meat, fish, poultry, fruit and vegetables from the European Union as a result of the Ukraine controversy. In addition, the United States has also suffered an export ban to Russia as a result of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus. Thailand's pork products will replace banned pork exports from the West, which are unlikely to win back their place in the Russian market even if the present ban is lifted, according to Russia's meat products watchdog. In October this year Russia's Veterinary and Phyto-sanitary Surveillance Service (VPSS) announced approval of pork imports from two plants in Thailand: Bang-Kla Slaughterhouse and Betagro Safety Meat Packing plant, said in a statement on the agency's website. Prior to this announcement, Thailand had only exported poultry to Russia.Russia imported 619,200 metric tons of pork valued at $2.13 billion in 2013, with Denmark, Germany, Canada and Brazil as its main suppliers, according to data from Russia's Federal Customs Service. The country purchased 79,300 metric tons of Canadian pork for $246.3 million and received $19 million worth of pork from the US last year. Meanwhile, Russia also imported 658,400 metric tons of cooled and frozen meat, valued at $2.87 billion, with Belarus and Brazil among the top exporters.

For example, through August, Thailand exported 12,729 metric tons (mt) of pork worldwide, 88 % of which was further processed. Processed exports to top market Japan made up about 45 % of the global total. CPF and Betagro are the large-scale producers that could be well positioned to make shipments to Russia, but so far Thailand is mainly exporting processed pork. Having noticed the opened gates in the Russian market Thai manufacturers of pork, chicken and seafood began to work directly with Russian companies, although they had previously exported their products to the Russian Federation through European intermediaries. No rapid increase in the food supplies has been observed so far, but there are positive signs. A certain recovery has been noticeable and the business contacts are intensifying but slow, too slow. At least we receives positive news about pork supply.

Since the Russian veterinary authorities have given the green light after completing an audit and assessment, this week CPF company formed the first lot from 800 tons of pork to Vladivostok and Russian delegates from VPSS have approved the quality of the Bang-Khla slaughterhouse in Chachoengsao province and controlled the shipment.

The expert- representative of VPSS Dr. Dmitry Pavlov, who controlles the Russian shipment in Bang-Khla slaughterhouse informed that he was very pleased of the pork quality in the mentined meat processing plant, hovewer, Betagro Safety Meat Packing plant was rejected by the Russian side due to numeroius flashes of Foot-and Mouth desease in the province.

Russia is expected to place orders for approximately 4,000 tonnes per month – this equals the production of about 80,000 pigs per month. Thailand's main pork producer Charoen Pokphand Foods is expected to benefit, and also various other pig producers.Charoen Pokphand Foods Plc has a leading position in the agro-industrial and food industry. The company is dedicated to providing high quality, nutritious, hygienic and safe products to satisfy consumers' needs in many markets around the world.

On December 16-th the Trucks-Releasing-Ceremony containing Frozen-Pork Export-Products to the Russia Federation took place in Bang-Khla slaughterhouse in Chachoengsao province, which collected Mr. Peetipong Puengboon Na Ayuthaya, the Minister of the Agriculture and Cooperative, Mr. Adirek Sripratak, President and CEO of CPF Company, Kirill Barsky, the Russian Ambassador and many other officials form Thailand and Russia. Opened, colorful and hilarious ceremony, which symbolizes that business is not related to any political issues, that Thailand wants to keep and improve trade with Russia despite of sanctions and internal Russian currency temporary problems. Those ideas the ceremony expressed and delivered to the business world.

The ceremony was followed by Interview Session of the Minister, and Russian Ambassador by the Mass Media, where they noticed that it is the first time Thai fresh pork can be exported to Russia and the developments present a good opportunity for both countires Thailand and Russia to increase the trade for mutual benefits.