TEN THOUSAND TONS OF U.S. CHICKEN IMPORTED INTO

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 001388 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/CEN, EEB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAGR ETRD TX SUBJECT: TEN THOUSAND TONS OF U.S. CHICKEN IMPORTED INTO TURKMENISTAN REF: A. ASHGABAT 1086 ¶B. ASHGABAT 0048 ¶1. (U) Sensitive but unclassified. Not for public Internet. ¶2. (SBU) On August 19, the embassy,s economic officer received an urgent phone call from Chief of the International Economic Relations Department of the Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations Wepa Garryev, with a request to supply the Ministry a list of U.S. chicken leg producers (Ref A). Garryev said Turkmenistan intends to make a large purchase of chicken legs in the very near future. Turkmenistan had banned importing U.S. chicken due to protectionism (Ref B),but began importing it again in January 2008. ¶3. (SBU) Garryev told post on October 15 that thanks to the Embassy's assistance, the Ministry was able to contact Tyson Foods and Pilgrims Pride and conclude contracts. The Ministry purchased 10,000 tons of chicken quarters for around $19 million (the amount includes logistics and customs clearance fees). The chicken is now available at Turkmenistan's markets just in time for the Independence Day celebration (October 27-28) at a minimum price of 34,000 manats per kilogram. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: Turkmen ministries continue to make direct contact with the Embassy, which is a change that post welcomes. The Turkmen government clearly views American chicken as a desirable product to import. END COMMENT. CURRAN