Transcript Challenges in Russia´s WTO Accession: A US

Challenges in Russia’s WTO Accession:
A U.S. Perspective
Pamela G. Quanrud
Economic Minister Counselor
U.S. Embassy
Moscow, Russia
Agriculture: Subsidies & Standards
 No
requirement to withdraw support for
farmers
 Need
to limit trade-distorting subsidies
 Protection
through non-tariff barriers
discourages investment and innovation
IPR: Legislation & Enforcement
 Lack
of protection hurts innovation
 Commercialization
of knowledge key to
future growth
 Legislation
good, but enforcement key
Legislation & Technical Regulations
 Lion’s
share of legislation already passed
 Still
pending: IPR, standards, licensing,
state subsidies
 Russia
to review 146 technical regulations
by late 2006
WTO Accession: In Russia’s Interest
Doubles GDP/helps reform the economy
 Brings Russia into the Global system
 Improves living standards for Russians

An opportunity Russia can’t afford to miss
Process: What remains?
 Conclude
bilateral negotiations and complete
Working Party Report
 Secretariat
drafts Protocol of Accession and
list of commitments; Duma must ratify
 Ministerial
Council approves
Russia’s Role in the WTO
 Accession
 Bridge
means a seat at the table
between Developing & OECD blocs
 Coalition-building
based on unique interests