A question of permanent status of Russia as Most Favored Nation was discussed by Russian and US officials

A meeting between Russian Economic Development Minister German Gref and a delegation of the US Congress was held in Moscow yesterday. The Press Service of the Economic Development Ministry reports that the following problems of the Russian-American economic relationships were discussed at the meeting: a permanent status of Russia as Most Favored Nation; anti-dumping sanctions imposed on Russian goods; and a status of the Russian economy as a market economy. The question of participation of US capitals in the Russian economy was touched upon at the second part of the meeting. The US congressmen wanted to know what place US investments will have in the development of the Russian economy. The problem of fighting corruption by both economic and administrative methods was discussed particularly in detail. Gref emphasized that a customs reform was being carried out rapidly in Russia now so as to substantially reduce the corruption dealing with customs formalities and to improve Russia's investment climate, RBC announces. The congressmen promised to assist in the US Congress making a decision to give Russia a status of Most Favored Nation.