Russia opts for quick, solo WTO entry
Russia will prepare its entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as a sole entity, without its customs union partners Kazakhstan and Belarus, according to Vladimir Chizhov, Russia’s ambassador to the European Union. However, he said, they will synchronise entry with the two nations.
“We want the WTO talks to go quickly and be concluded soon,” said Chizhov. “After the customs union was formed, some interpreted this as a sign of Russia losing interest in WTO. This is wrong. Members of the customs union will join the WTO as separate entities but in a synchronised way and with common positions.”
Russia’s bid to enter the WTO has been a 16-year long talkfest. Entry into the organisation would open markets to Russia and open Russia to the WTO’s 153 members.
The tripartisan customs union partnership will begin on January 1, 2010 and involves common external tariffs for the three countries, and a single market for 165 million people.
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