OREANDA-NEWS. On 31 March 2009 was announced, that Belarus’ interdepartmental commission that awards contracts to “economic entities implementing the sole right of the state to import fish and seafood” has allowed the authorized importers to continue imports in April, as they were granted quotas in late February instead of January, according to a decision of the commission.

Belarus’ Presidential Administrative Department, which regulates the fish market of the country, in early February awarded 42 companies the right to import and process fish in the first quarter of 2009.

The list includes Santa-Bremor, Santa Impex Brest, Belryba, Gomel Rybocomplex, Mogilev Rybocomplex, Minskrybprom, Vitalyur, Leor Plastic, Belvneshrybtorg, Grodnoryba, Rybny Ryad, Vkus Ryby Plus, McDonald’s Restaurants, etc.

President Alexander Lukashenko on August 1, 2007 signed ordinance #361 to abolish import quotas on fish and seafood and make the state the only importer of this produce. The president will approve the list of companies authorized to import and sell fish and seafood in Belarus “as economic entities implementing the sole right of the state to import fish and seafood.”