Russia and China hold negotiations on Russia' accession to WTO

China and Russia held negotiations on the problem of access to each other's markets, connected with Russia's plans to enter the World Trade Organisation. These are the first negotiations between representatives of Moscow and Beijing on Russia's accession to the WTO, and they are devoted, in the main, to the solution of technical issues.

The Russian delegation at the negotiations in Beijing was headed by deputy economic development and trade minister Maxim Medvedkov, and the Chinese delegation -- by deputy minister of foreign trade and economic cooperation Long Yonktu.

The Chinese deputy minister declared that the PRC government supports Russia's application for becoming member of the WTO, which, he believes, will intensify bilateral trade and economic ties.

The first stage of negotiations ended in agreement of the sides that the Beijing meetings were "positive and constructive" and had "important results".

In compliance with the procedure of becoming a WTO member each country should conclude a series of agreements with other states on mutual access to each other's markets and on other issues before beginning the procedure of entering the WTO.