Argentine industry minister Debora Giorgi

Argentine minister Débora Giorgi

Argentine companies looking to exploit new opportunities in Russia following its ban on EU agricultural products took part in a trade mission led by Argentina’s industry minister, Débora Giorgi, in the Argentine pavilion at World Food Moscow.

The visit included a business seminar during which representatives from the Argentine and Russian governments and Argentine companies discussed ways of reducing the South American nation’s reliance of industrial inputs from overseas to offset any increase in exports. According to Giorgi, trade between the two nations has quadrupled in the past decade.

Around 120 Argentine companies are taking part in the trade fair, which takes place in Moscow this week. “The participation of Argentine businesses in this international event demonstrates the competitiveness of our businesses and the huge potential that exists for our food industry,” Giorgi said at the inauguration of the national pavilion.

The minister visited the stands of Russian fruit importer Primer Holding de Frutas, where representatives of the company told her that they were keen to work with Argentine exporters.

Giorgio said the situation created new opportunities for several products, including fresh berries from the north and south of Argentina.