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Kalashnikov shifting focus to Asia-Pacific and African markets due to sanctions

The company said the export of its products to the US was suspended after imposed sanctions

IZHEVSK, January 27. /TASS/. Concern Kalashnikov, based in Izhevsk, Russia, has shifted its focus to new markets in Asia-Pacific and African nations because of imposed restrictions on weapon sales in the US, the company told TASS on Tuesday. Markets of India and Egypt turned to be the most attractive. Proactive negotiations are underway with Latin American nations.

The company said the export of its products to the US was suspended after imposed sanctions, although the contract executed with US-based RWC (Russian Weapon Company) in January 2014 provided up to 200,000 items for annual supplies. RWC is interested in keeping the share in the US market and filed an application for trademark registration.

The Concern named after the legendary rifle-maker Mikhail Kalashnikov is proactively involved in protection of intellectual property and the trademark, intending to produce new weapons with distinctive quality features. The company has already initiated a reshuffle in its line of products.

Kalashnikov-type assault rifles are produced by more than 20 companies across the globe, particularly in Bulgaria, China, Serbia and the United States. According to 2014 preliminary figures, the Concern reached a breakeven point with more than 140,000 items supplied to customers, double the level of 2013.