The coming spring marks a thaw in trading relations between Russia and Abkhazia.

It's the time of year when farmers in the breakaway republic can cash in on their mimosa flowers, which are seen as a symbol of spring. With Russia deciding to lift economic sanctions on the region, the future looks rosy.

For decades Abkhazia's main exports have been oranges and mandarins in the early winter, and mimosa flowers in the spring. Thousands of people had to wait in lines at the Russian border to sell their goods. They had to walk back and forth weighed down with bags and crates because Abkhazian farmers were only allowed to carry small amounts of their produce through the checkpoint.

Now that Russia has lifted all economic sanctions against the breakaway republic, local families are hopeful of more trading opportunities. President Sergey Bagapsh says besides helping the farmers, Russia's decision to lift sanctions will open the door to bigger companies.