Next session of WTO working group due in autumn

The next session of the working group on Russia's joining the World Trade Organization is due in October-November 2002, Russian Deputy Trade and Economic Development Minister Maxim Medvedkov told journalists on Tuesday.

August-September will also see a new round of talks on Russia and China's joining the WTO, he said. Besides, on July 22-23 Geneva will host talks with the EU countries on access to the Russian market for the service suppliers.

At the end of 2002 Russia intends to sign the Agreement with 20 WTO member states, with which it is now negotiating on five-six product issues, Medvedkov said.

"2003 is the best year for Russia to join the WTO, otherwise its membership will be postponed till 2005, but then it will be a new organization with stricter requirements," he believes.