Premier Kasyanov: Russia's Economy Cannot Develop In Isolation

The economy of Russia cannot normally develop in isolation from world commerce and competition, said chairman of the Russian government Mikhail Kasyanov at an official function on Thursday. It was held on the occasion of the 10th birthday of the Russian State Tax Service. The prime minister stressed that joining the World Trade Organisation is important for Russia. The government and independent experts have been instructed to make a deep-going analysis of effects which may follow after Russia joins the WTO. "We must know how the situation will unfold", noted the government chairman. Kasyanov said that at the present moment the Russian government works for single and fair rules, equal for all, to operate in the economy of Russia. From the perspective of entering the WTO, adoption of a new Customs Code is of great importance, he said. Regrettably, work on it has become drawn-out, he sighed. This is why Mikhail Kasianov will very soon instruct relative agencies to speed up such work so as to bring Russian rules in line with the international standards.