Farmers arrange tomatoes that will be exported to Russia, in Raohe county, Northeast China's Helongjiang province, on July 18, 2014. [Photo/IC]

BEIJING - Chinese companies exported $2.1 billion worth of agricultural produce to Russia last year, and China is willing to work with Russia to expand two-way agricultural produce trade, a Ministry of Commerce spokesman said Monday.

Shen Danyang, the spokesman, made the comments at a regular press conference when asked about Russia's decision to restrict food imports from the United States and the European Union and increase trade with China.

Based on the China-Russia all-round partnership of strategic cooperation, China is willing to boost economic and trade relations with Russia, and will continue to create conditions for bilateral cooperation in the energy, agriculture, infrastructure and high-tech sectors, he said.

Shen said China's agricultural exporters choose export destinations based on market information, so it is normal commercial behavior for them to expand exports to Russia and arrange other business.

Agricultural produce trade between the two neighboring countries has a unique edge and growth potential, he said, adding that the Chinese side will encourage both Chinese and Russian companies to increase agricultural produce trade.

Russia is a major trade partner of China. In the first seven months of 2014, bilateral trade grew by 4 percent year on year to $53 billion, according to the Chinese customs data.

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