Russia seeks BD approval to export ready-to-eat meat

The Russian Federation has expressed interest in exporting ready-to-eat meat to Bangladesh with standard veterinary certification, according to official sources.

The Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance of Russia (Rosselkhoznadzor) recently sent a proposal to Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking approval to supply such processed meat products.

The foreign ministry has forwarded the proposal to the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock for necessary action, while the Ministry of Commerce is also reviewing it for further scrutiny.

Although Bangladesh is currently self-sufficient in meat production, domestic prices remain high despite a sevenfold increase in output over the past 15 years.

Rosselkhoznadzor initiated the process to gain market access for Russian meat products in Bangladesh due to growing interest from Russian exporters. The Russian agency had previously contacted the government in November 2024 with a similar request, but no decision was taken at that time.

In its latest proposal, Rosselkhoznadzor suggested using the standard veterinary certificate model, which it issues for meat and meat products from domestic and wild animals exported from Russia. The agency also assured the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock of its full cooperation in the matter.

However, an official from the Department of Livestock Services said the government is carefully reviewing the proposal, citing

concerns over potential risks to local meat producers.

"We are scrutinising the issue, as allowing meat imports could directly affect domestic meat production and potentially lead to farm closures," the official said. "There is also a biosecurity risk associated with meat imports."

Although such imports are currently listed under Bangladesh's prohibited items in its import policy order, local traders can import meat products if they obtain prior approval from relevant government agencies.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh itself exports meat to several international markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and the Maldives.

The government has also launched a disease-free zoning project aimed at eradicating foot-and-mouth disease and peste des petits ruminants from local livestock to boost biosecurity and export prospects.

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