(RBC) - The Russian Economy Minister German Gref hopes to reach an agreement with the USA on Russia's accession to the WTO, he said during the meeting with the Latvian Economy Minister Aigars Stokenbergs. The negotiations are to be completed by the end of October 2006, reports Trend.
Gref said that Russia and the USA agreed on all issues concerning protection of intellectual property and the US is preparing to sign a corresponding agreement.
The minister stressed that the Russian Economy Ministry was concerned about this issue and it was due to the question of providing support for Russia's hi-tech economy sector rather than Russia's accession to the WTO.
Gref noted that veterinary measures are the only remaining issue. The minister estimated the issue at some $10-20m. However, he pointed out that it is a political issue.
The Russian Economy Minister believes that after an agreement on veterinary measures is reached the bilateral round of negotiations will be completed and Russia will be able to start multilateral negotiations. Here Russia hopes to receive support from the European Union, its main trade partner.