Chairman of the Agriculture Export Council (AEC) Abdel Hamid el Demerdash praised on Friday a decision taken by the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) commission to lift a five-percent customs tariff on orange imports.

In statements to MENA, Demerdash said the decision will help increase Egypt's exports of orange to the Russian market.

The AEC's exports surged 4-5 percent during the first 10 months of this year to record $2.2 billion, according to the official.

Egypt's exports of fruits and vegetables to the Russian market amounted to $191.7 and 1$70 million respectively in 2015