Russia doesn't plan to repeal the ban on the import of foods from the European Union, while the Western sanctions against the country are still in action, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich said on Wednesday.
"There are currently no plans to lift our food import bans and any decision on that question will depend on what happens with the western sanctions," Dvorkovich said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
"This food embargo is a useful instrument for our producers, as they have the possibility to operate in more competitive conditions because they currently cannot get any money from banks at the interest rates that were available before the sanctions," Dvorkovich explained.
In August 2014, Moscow introduced a one-year ban on the import of certain food products from the United States, the European Union and other countries that earlier imposed economic sanctions against Russia over its involvement in the Ukrainian conflict. The products affected include meat, poultry, fish, seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetables.
Russian officials have repeatedly said that the ban on Western food products could contribute to the development of the domestic market and boost competition.
Author: Julia Alieva