Russia might join WTO in 2003-2004

Russia should settle all controversial issues before May 30, 2003 in order to have a possibility to join the World Trade Organization in 2003-2004, Igor Yurgens, the Executive Secretary of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, voiced his opinion at a news conference today. If it does not happen, Russia will not be able to enter the WTO over the next 2-3 years, he thinks. Moreover, according to him, Russia will face some problems if this process is postponed at present, because new requirements concerning antidumping measures and export of labor force are likely to be introduced to Russia later.

Yesterday another round of negotiations on Russia's accession to the WTO started in Geneva. On February 28 an enlarged meeting of the task force on Russia's accession to the WTO will consider questions regarding special economic areas in Russia, protection of cultural heritage and some other issues.