Russian agriculture ministry proposes new export scheme, payments via national clearing centre -document

This content was produced in Russia, where the law restricts coverage of Russian military operations in Ukraine.

Added details on scheme

MOSCOW, March 20 (Reuters) - Russia's agriculture ministry on Monday proposed a new scheme for foreign trade of agricultural exports, with payments via the country's national clearing centre, according to a document published on a Russian government website.

Under the scheme, foreign buyers of Russian grain will apply for rouble and foreign currency accounts with the country's national clearing centre.

Eduard Zernin, head of Russia's grain exporters union, said that the new scheme was not exclusive, and that transactions could still be carried out in foreign currency, as before.

In comments to Interfax, which were republished on the union's official Telegram channel, he said that it was likely a means to guard against further tightening of sanctions imposed over Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.

(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Tom Hogue and Louise Heavens)

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