July 21, 2012 - International Trade Minister Ed Fast today issued the following statement after Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin, signed legislation ratifying Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO):
“Russia’s accession to the WTO is another milestone in the country’s history and an important development for the WTO.
“As one of the world’s largest economies, Russia must be part of our efforts to liberalize global trade and fight protectionism at the WTO. Canada will benefit from the market access provisions in both goods and services that Russia will commit to as part of its WTO obligations.
“Russia’s accession to the WTO will provide a more transparent and predictable environment in which Canadians can do business.
“This announcement comes only a few weeks after my trade mission to Russia, in June. Closer trade ties between Canada and Russia will bring jobs and greater prosperity to Canadian workers and their families.”
Russia will officially become the 156th member of the WTO 30 days after notifying the WTO of the domestic ratification of its accession package.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
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