MINSK, 20 February (BelTA) – Belarus is ready to provide assistance to Russia in conducting an antidumping probe, Belarus’ Agriculture and Food Minister Leonid Zayats told media on 20 February, BelTA has learned.

Not long ago the Russian Fdereation announced its intention to conduct an antidumping probe in respect to European countries, including Belarus, with a view to protect its milk market from unethical competition. According to the eastern partner, Belarus subsidizes its dairy industry overmuch, which harms the dairy sector of the Russian Federation.

“As for the inquiry, we are ready to show the Russian side our approaches in milk production. We, producers, do not see any violations here,” Leonid Zayats said. According to the minister, Belarus has not breached any agreements neither in the Single Economic Space not any others.

Russian Premier Dmitry Medvedev commented on the situation: “As for Belarus, the situation here should transparent and symmetrical since we have almost a common market and the single customs space. If Belarusian producers come here, we also should have an opportunity to go there, not working on maximum supplies of the Russian market and closing of the Belarusian one.”

Leonid Zayats echoed his opinion, adding: “We have created a common market together with Russia and Kazakhstan, free from any barriers. We want to sell our products and see the products of the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan here.” According to the minister, the parties should complement the assortment lists with the products of their partners. “We need mutual trade. We have a common market and we should work without restrictions and withdrawals,” he stressed.

“As concerns an antidumping probe, I should say we are calm. We are ready to welcome specialists from Russia and show the country’s investment in the dairy industry,” Leonid Zayats said.

Source: http://news.belta.by/