USTR Kirk Applauds Progress on Russia’s WTO Accession

14 November 2011

“I congratulate Minister of Economic Development [Elvira] Nabiullina and Russia’s entire WTO negotiating team on the conclusion of years of negotiations paving the way for Russia to join the World Trade Organization,” United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ron Kirk said in a statement released by the Office of the USTR November 10.

“The Obama administration has been a strong supporter and advocate of this process since President Obama took office and we have worked closely with Russia and other WTO members to help move the process toward a successful conclusion. Russia is now on track to become a WTO member,” he continued.

Today’s decision marks the final step in the process before WTO ministers decide to formally invite Russia to become a member of the WTO, which is due to take place at the eighth Annual WTO Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, next month.

“This step marks a win for both the Russian people and the American people. It will spur trade and support significant job growth in both countries as a result of lower tariffs and increased market access. It also brings Russia into a rules-based system, increasing transparency and predictability to the benefit of all businesses in Russia and ensuring that the Russian government is held accountable to a system of international trading rules governed by the WTO,” Kirk said.

“As the president has said, the United States and Russia have many shared interests, and Russia’s step today toward joining the WTO underscores our ability to work together on important matters of mutual benefit. I applaud all parties that contributed to getting to this point today.”