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Alternative markets open after Russia's retaliatory sanctions - official

NOVO-OGARYOVO, August 28, /ITAR-TASS/. Russia can afford selecting suppliers from alternative markets after it banned imports of foodstuffs from the West in retaliation to its sanctions, Russian Minister of Agriculture Nikolai Fyodorov said on Wednesday.

"There is a large queue (of exporters) wishing to resume supplies which were earlier limited or cancelled due to various reasons, such as Russia's stringent requirements," Fyodorov said at a conference of government officials chaired by President Vladimir Putin.

He said his department received ambassadors and agriculture ministers from Turkey, Latin American countries, Iran, China and Vietnam every day and that alternative markets were opening.

Alternative suppliers are set to increase exports on short notice seeking to use the situation to boost their profits, he said, adding that the Russian market would be open to them but that Russia had no plans to ease requirements for their products.