(Yicai Global) Nov. 8 -- Russian beef, edible oils, dairy products and other brands old and new are on full display at this year’s China International Import Expo, a chance for Russian companies to enter the Chinese market.

China is the most coveted export market for Russian firms, said Balsunaev Tsokto, chief representative of the Russian Export Center in China. The CIIE offers exporters from all countries including Russia the unique opportunity to display their products and look for buyers in order to build their businesses.

This year, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, only 31 Russian companies are taking part, down from over 100 in previous years, although a number are able to participate remotely via the Russian Export Center booth. They deal in a wide range of products from autos and food to general merchandise.

There are a number of new products on show. Russian beef only recently entered the Chinese market after seven years of negotiations. Last year 8,700 tons of Russian beef was exported to China worth CNY310 million (USD48 million), according to the Russian Federation Ministry of Agriculture.

China has become the biggest buyer of Russian meat, accounting for 37 percent of total exports. Russian market players are also optimistic about the country’s growing poultry market, the chief representative at Agroexport 168’s booth told Yicai Global.

Russia’s edible oils, such as sesame oil, sunflower seed oil, soybean and rapeseed oil, are also popular products in China, Tsokto said. And if you can’t find it on the shelves, Russian goods are also available on a number of Chinese e-commerce platforms, he added.

Editor: Kim Taylor