The Russian ambassador to Oslo, Teimuraz Ramishvili, commented on recent trade measures, explaining that Russia intends to leverage a ban on the import of processed fish and seafood from Norway to strengthen its domestic market position. He suggested that the restriction would create space for Russian producers to fill existing gaps and gradually expand their footprint across multiple segments, including higher-end products that appeal to discerning buyers. The ambassador indicated that these moves could lay a foundation for elevating the profile of Russia’s fish products abroad, supporting a broader export push to friendly nations and beyond.
Ramishvili emphasized that the policy shift would not only diversify supply sources within Russia but also help the country nurture niche markets. He pointed to the premium fish and seafood segment as a particular area of potential growth, where Russian producers could compete on quality, branding, and supply reliability. This strategic focus, he added, might contribute to a more resilient domestic market and create opportunities for increased export activity to partner countries that have favorable trade relations with Russia.
The ambassador also touched on the challenges faced by Norwegian fish feed suppliers who rely on Russia as a significant customer. He noted that while Norway cannot displace Russia in the European gas market, the current geopolitical climate underscores the interdependence of regional markets. Ramishvili stressed that energy constraints observed during the 2022 crisis highlighted Norway’s limited capacity to scale gas deliveries to Europe beyond a modest percentage, underscoring the need for diversified energy and trade strategies among allied states.
Looking at the broader energy landscape, Ramishvili reiterated that Russia and Norway would continue to cooperate in fisheries despite the sanctions regime. He framed the bilateral fisheries dialogue as a continuous effort to align on sustainable harvest practices, quota management, and market access, even while economic measures are in place. The ambassador asserted that ongoing engagement in fisheries could help stabilize supply chains and support regional livelihoods, reinforcing a message of pragmatic cooperation amid geopolitical tensions.
In summary, Ramishvili framed the policy moves as a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening domestic production, expanding market niches, and preparing for selective export growth. He underscored that the shift would be implemented with careful attention to quality control, product differentiation, and long-term partnerships with friendly markets. The overarching goal, as described, is to build a more autonomous seafood sector in Russia while maintaining productive dialogue with Norway on fisheries and related industries, despite ongoing sanctions and geopolitical considerations.