The State Commission on preparations for Azerbaijans joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) expects for the reply of the secretariat of the organization on determination of the date of the negotiations on Friday. The negotiations can not be succeed until late March, the government told Trend.
Two weeks ago the State Commission sent documents, as well as additional proposals on access to goods and services market to the secretariat of WTO. They include documents on tariffs, services, changes into the legislation, subsidization of agriculture, replies to questions by the WTO member countries. Besides, the State Commission presented reply proposals to the WTO member countries, seeking for more liberal conditions for access to the Azerbaijani goods and services market. Nevertheless, the government noted that Azerbaijan was not able to liberalize terms due to transition economy. Azerbaijan explains impossibility of liberalization with the current economic reforms, improvement of legislation and insufficient level of development of business. Therefore, Azerbaijan thinks that the internal market still needs protection.
As to customs tariffs, it is necessary to apply double system - real level and ceiling level, which may not be overdrawn by Azerbaijan. At present the banking tariff is higher i.e. the government wants to keep reserve in agriculture for underdeveloped fields to increase tariffs at least by 30%. It is not final decision, but in any case the maximal rate to be set will be 15%. If the question is fruit and vegetables field, it is necessary to raise custom import rates to support local producers, the government underlined. Azerbaijan also seeks for more privileged terms on subsidy in agriculture, but the WTO member countries require explanations. Azerbaijan also intends to prepare these accounts by the date of the negotiations.