International Trade Rules Must Take Into Consideration Russia's Interests

Russia's full membership of the World Trade Organisation will prompt all participating countries to work out international trade rules with Russian interests taken into consideration, professor Ippolit Demulen of the Academy of Foreign Trade said at the "Russia, WTO and Business Interests" regional conference, under way in Moscow. Currently, the WTO is discussing general approaches to protective measures in the services business. The resolution of all issues pertaining to the services market is of special importance to Russia within the framework of its WTO membership negotiations. Demulen said the efficiency of Russia's participation in the WTO will depend on its industrial and foreign trade policies. He added that this factor will be decisive, considering that foreign trade accounts for one-third of Russia's gross domestic product. The expert pointed to the great importance of the explanatory campaign on Russia's forthcoming joining the WTO, being conducted among Russian businesses under the patronage of the Ministry for Economic Development and Trade. Ample information about the WTO will help Russian businesses resolve difficult foreign trade issues "faster, in a milder manner, and more accurately."