Moscow (dpa) - The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade said Sunday that countries in the Middle East, Asia, South and Central America can become promising export markets for Russian woodworking products.

The Russian agency "Tass" quoted the ministry as saying: "We believe that the countries of the Middle East, Asia and countries of South and Central America can become promising markets for sales of local products," pointing out that Russian companies were cooperating with many countries even before the European Union imposed sanctions on sector.

The ministry indicated that Russian companies are working proactively to reshape the logistical flows of both import and export.

For its part, the Ministry provides assistance in this regard, along with trade missions.

The European Union had approved the fifth package of sanctions against Russia in early April, which included banning the import of Russian wood and wood products.

The restrictions are scheduled to come into effect from July 10.