China remains a key partner for the Russian fishery industry, with trading volumes continuing to grow, reaching about $1.5 billion per year. Yet, Russian companies need to increase the share of finished products in their product mix, including among exports, in order to maintain growth and expand their profits. Some practical aspects of entering the Chinese market were discussed at the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia.
Oleg Kobiakov, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the Russian Federation, shared information on the global and Russian dynamics of catch volume and production of aquaculture products. The FAO forecasts that global fish production will total around 202 million tonnes by 2023, giving an annual average per capita consumption level of 23.3 kg. Oleg Kobiakov also presented an overview of fish product prices and the most popular types of fish and seafood today that are bred, caught and consumed in China.
Andrei Mikhalevich, Head of the Economy and Investment Department at the Federal Agency for Fisheries, spoke about the history of Russia-China trade relations and changes in the pattern of Russian fish exports to China in relation to reduction in the raw materials segment. He also proposed reconsidering the approach to promoting fish and seafood on the Chinese market with a view to increasing the share of both semi-finished and finished products. Mr. Mikhalevich also mentioned government measures to support and subsidize Russian export-orientated processing industry enterprises.
Alexander Morev, Project Manager for Agro-Industrial Complex Export Support at the Russian Export Centre, spoke about the practical aspects of entering the Chinese market and promoting local retail chains, and about the export support infrastructure.
Development Manager of JD Worldwide, Jingdong Retail Group, Jingdong, offered a range of services including transportation, refrigerated storage and sales on the Chinese imported foods market, to include fish – chilled, frozen or tinned.
Mr. Yang Hao, General Manager at Liao Yu Group Co., Ltd., praised the organization of the forum and exhibition and pointed out some promising areas for joint development and expansion of cooperation. He then told the audience about the history of Liao Yu Corporation, one of the biggest fishing holdings in China, which has not only fishing and processing facilities, but also a port and warehouse infrastructure also used by Russian fishery companies. Other services wanted by Russian companies include assistance in customs clearance, standardization and promotion, and fishing fleet maintenance and repairs.
Ms. Li Naibing, CEO at Tieyue Yiheng (Dalian) Development Co., Ltd., described the supplier selection criteria and other aspects of decision-making on the purchase of fish products, which include reputation and product quality guarantees. She also spoke about the history of building the Russia-China trade zone, its advantages, unique aspects, and membership opportunities for Russian fish and seafood suppliers.
In conclusion of the roundtable event, Alexander Sapozhnikov, General Director of Russian Crab, shared the company’s experience of promoting Russian-harvested crab on the Chinese market. In his speech, he focused on the practical aspects of each step, from trade mark registration. He also mentioned the key value of in-depth structural market analysis.
The event was moderated by Nikolay Vavilov, sinologist, columnist, author (Uncrowned Kings of Red China; Chinese Authorities) and host of a popular Telegram channel.
The roundtable was part of the Business Programme of the Global Fishery Forum & Seafood Expo Russia that took place at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Centre in St. Petersburg on 27–29 September 2023.