Vladimir Nekrasov, Russian Trade Representative in Abkhazia, in an interview with Russian news agency "Sputnik" spoke about Russian-Abkhazian economic relations. During the interview, Nekrasov focused on several important issues:

• Turnover between Russia and Abkhazia is not high, however maintains positive dynamic. In 2018, turnover increased by 11.8% compared to 2017 and amounted to 17.7 billion rubles. The export of Russian goods in Abkhazia increased by 4.8% and amounted to 17.7 billion rubles, while export from Abkhazia to Russia increased by 40.3% and reached 4.4 billion rubles. Russia's share in foreign trade turnover of Abkhazia is 74.5%.
• In 2018, Turkey's share in foreign trade turnover of Abkhazia was 5.6%. The main competitor of Russian products in Abkhazia is Turkey. Abkhazia runs foreign trade with more than 40 countries, mainly in terms of import operations.
• Turnover depends on seasonal factors, especially on the number of tourists arriving in Abkhazia. That is why the turnover dynamics directly depends on attractiveness of Abkhazia for tourists.
• In 2017-2018, in Abkhazia, with the participation of trade offices, Russian companies implemented projects with the cost of $ 6 million and brought various products. Currently the Mission is working on equipping Sukhumi airport with modern technologies.
• Russian large companies such as Rosneft and A-Mobile (mobile phone operator in Abkhazia) are operating in Abkhazia.
• Out of existing problems Nekrasov highlighted prevention of double taxation and simplification in registration procedures for company founders/employees arriving from Russia.
• At the end of 2017, in the framework of the Intergovernmental Commission on Socio-Economic Cooperation between Russia and Abkhazia, an Inter-Agency Working Group on Investment Promotion was created. The Working Group first meeting is planned by the end of April.
• Existing ban on buying dwelling houses in Abkhazia adversely affects the entry of the Russian business.
• Mainly agricultural products are delivered from Abkhazia to Russia, including alcoholic beverages, citrus fruits, hazelnuts and martyrs for March 8 period. Since 2018, from Russia to Abkhazia delivery of inert materials supplies has been increased, these supplies are used for Crimean bridge construction.