Russia eyes amber industry cooperation with Türkiye
A picture of amber which is a gemstone formed by the fossilization of tree resini taken on 26 Feb 2022 (Mehran Khan Photo)
Russia has expressed interest in working with Türkiye in the amber industry, according to Maxim Lomakin, head of amber raw materials sales at the Kaliningrad Amber Combine, a state-owned company under Rostec.
Lomakin also highlighted the past collaboration between the two countries in this sector and the potential for future joint ventures.
Previous cooperation and challenges
Lomakin mentioned that the Kaliningrad Amber Combine had Turkish contractors in the past, however, these relationships did not develop as expected.
“Around 2020-2021, before the coronavirus pandemic, we began cooperation with Türkiye. Our colleagues purchased about 6 tons of raw amber from us. But like in many other areas, the pandemic forced us to adjust our priorities,” he explained.
Turkish market preferences
Lomakin highlighted that Turkish partners showed interest not only in raw amber but also in finished products, such as beads for rosaries.
He noted the specific color preferences of Turkish partners, who favor transparent and “black lacquer” amber.
Prospects for future cooperation
Lomakin noted the successful and active cooperation between Russia and Türkiye in various industries. He expressed optimism about the potential for mutually beneficial collaboration in the amber industry, based on principles of respect.
“I see no obstacles to developing cooperation in the amber industry,” he added.
The Kaliningrad Amber Combine, located in Russia’s Kaliningrad region, is the world’s largest enterprise for the mining and processing of amber, holding 90% of the world’s extractable amber.
China: Top amber buyer
Due to international sanctions, foreign buyers of Russian amber face difficulties with payments. However, Lomakin assured that solutions acceptable to all sides are always possible, as seen in cooperation with other countries.
“Amber is very popular in China, perhaps our largest foreign buyer. Matte amber is particularly loved there. We also have active cooperation with other countries in Asia and the Middle East,” he said.
