Amid strengthening economic, foreign policy and security ties between Spain and Russia — earmarked by dual 2011 initiatives “Year of Spain in Russia” and “Year of Russia in Spain” — Spain’s secretary general of the sea and m?inister for marine affairs met the president of Russia’s Federal Fisheries Agency for bilateral cooperation talks during EXPOFISH in Moscow last week.
During the “Institutional-Business Meeting of the Spain-Russia Fisheries Sector,” both nations reinforced their commitments to developing international fish ??markets and scientific research as established under the memorandum of cooperation signed in September 2009.
Among its objectives are combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, joint projects in seafood production, processing and marketing, and promoting technological innovation in the extractive, processing and aquaculture industries.
EXPOFISH witnessed the agreement to establish a working group to examine Spain’s potential input in the renewal and modernization of the Russian fleet, while the provision of administrative facilities to encourage foreign investment in Russia also featured on the agenda.
This scenario has allowed Spanish fishing associations and organizations representing sector employers to establish contacts with Russian companies throughout its wide distribution networks.
During President Medvedev’s 2009 visit to Spain, Prime Minister Zapatero stated his ambition to reconfigure foreign policy under a “Strategic Partnership,” counting on Russia as one of the main industrial axes to help Spain consolidate its position in the world.
The Russian government, meanwhile, is keen to publicize the opportunities his country offers to foreign investors with a programme of strategies including a consortia of exporting firms, consortia of target firms, supporting companies on first arrival and promoting joint ventures.
Both countries concluded EXPOFISH expressing their objectives to establish contacts, develop closer relationships, and promote mutual sector interests and prospects.
The World Trade Report 2010 cites the Russian Federation as a net exporter of all types of natural resources excluding fish. While Spain received government fisheries subsidies to the tune of EUR 295 million (USD 425 million) in 2006, Russia received EUR 9.7 billion (USD 14 billion) in fisheries subsidies, according to 2009 figures.
