Kaliningrad Region to Become Agricultural Processing and Export Centre

A full sitting of the Agriculture Ministry's committee for developing the agro-industrial complex, chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Alexei Gordeev, began yesterday evening in Kaliningrad. According to Rosbalt's correspondent, the meeting is being attended by Andrei Stepanov, the Russian President's deputy envoy for the North-West District, Governor Vladimir Yegorov, the heads of the Agriculture Ministry's different departments, and representatives of the region's agricultural sector.

On his arrival at Khrabrovo airport, Gordeev said that the region could and should become self-sufficient in the production of livestock-based products. He also believes that if the region renews its infrastructure and adopts new technologies, it can become a centre for the export of agricultural products, using its geo-political and transport advantages to supply products not just to Russia, but to neighbouring countries in Europe.

During his two-day visit to the region Gordeev will take part in the opening ceremony of the second stage of the Food Product plant, which produces processed chicken products for the Russian and CIS markets. Over USD 27 million is to be invested in the creation and development of this plant by the end of the year. Part of the funding will be provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.