Page 102 - RusRPTJul22

Mishustin also highlighted the need to continue to promote import substitution. "It is required to build up cooperation in the import substitution sphere. Priority high-technology branches of industry. We should reduce dependence on import supplies and launch our own joint innovative projects on development and output of products in high demand, he added.
Mishustin was echoing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s line as Russia faces becoming increasingly isolated from the world thanks to the extreme sanctions that have been brought down since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February. However, the prime minister said that Russia still has a lot of friends in the world and that the EEU will be an important vehicle for extending those relations.
"The interest in interaction with EAEU is growing globally. We suggest strengthening our contacts with friends and partners, with members of the Commonwealth of Independent States in the first instance. It is required to buildup meaningful cooperation with countries of the Asia-Pacific Region, Latin America, and Africa, implement the entire range of agreements with China and accelerate talks on expansion of trade ties with Egypt, India, and Iran," the Russian Prime Minister said.
Specifically Mishustin said that the EEU should expand its relations with Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and ASEAN. "All that will give a significant advantage for promotion of Eurasian goods on external market and for strengthening of the EAEU role at the international stage," Mishustin added.
102 RUSSIA Country Report October 2020 www.intellinews.com