MAKHACHKALA, March 6 – RIA "Dagestan". A strategic meeting on the development and support of regional exports was held at the Russian Export Center (REC) in Moscow on the Day of the Republic of Dagestan, chaired by REC Director General Veronika Nikishina. The forum brought together federal and regional officials—including Senator Ilyas Umakhanov, Deputy Prime Minister Rizvan Gazimagomedov and Minister of Economy Gadzhi Sultanov—alongside entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Discussions addressed key challenges and opportunities for Dagestani exporters, including mechanisms for conducting international payments under sanctions, obtaining Halal certification to access Islamic markets, and arranging an export quota for Dagestani rice groats to partner countries.
Head of the Republic Sergei Melikov emphasized Dagestan's substantial export potential across industry, agriculture and tourism, underscoring the region's strategic location along the international "North-South" transport corridor. The top official noted that the republic's foreign trade demonstrated strong growth, with export volumes increasing 2.6 times over the past five years to reach $148.9 million in 2024. Melikov expressed confidence that continued partnership with the Russian Export Center would enable Dagestan to further expand its presence in international markets.