Russian Ambasador Pavlov seeks agricultural, nuclear cooperation with Philippines

Russian Ambassador Marat Pavlov expressed interest in enhancing agricultural cooperation and possibly nuclear energy collaboration with the Philippines during a lecture on Wednesday, April 23.

Pavlov highlighted potential imports such as avocado, banana, seafood, meat, pork, and beef, emphasizing Russia's openness to trading more Philippine agricultural products.

The ambassador mentioned various fields of cooperation including agriculture, nuclear energy, science, maritime, and economy, stressing that it is up to the Philippines to propose concrete initiatives.

Russia could consider opening market access to additional Philippine goods like fish and tuna but noted these require further negotiation with their competent authorities.

Earlier this month, the Bureau of Plant Industry announced that Philippine Hass avocados, calamansi, and okra can now be supplied to Russian markets as part of efforts to expand global market presence.

The opportunity arose from a 2022 meeting between the Department of Agriculture and representatives of the Russian Federation to discuss trade relations and technical collaborations.