Prime Minister of Tatarstan participates in session of interim commission of the Federation Council

Field extended session of interim commission of the Federation Council for environmental monitoring of Russia's participation in World trade organisation and Customs union was held in Samara.

Prime Minister of Tatarstan Ildar Khalikov, Chief Executive of the Tatarstan Investment Development Agency Linar Yakupov, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Shamil Ageev participated in a plenary session.

Plenipotentiary of the Russian President in Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich said that the theme of Russia’s entry to WTO is very thorny and often not popular. “I hope that today’s session will help our economy get used to conditions of WTO membership more quickly and enjoy advantages offered by the organization,” Mikhail Babich said.

He mentioned that 85 % of Russian automotive industry, 65 % of aircraft industry, 40 % of petrochemistry are concentrated in Volga Federal District. These are import-substituting industries and, therefore, more susceptible to difficulties in the context of entry to WTO.

Chairman of the Federation Council Valentina Matvienko said that widespread awareness about conditions of entry to WTO is one of priority tasks. Moreover, measures on protection and support of domestic producers should be taken both on federal and regional levels.

According to Valentina Matvienko, reasonable use of WTO rules and regulations would offer new opportunities for Russian producers. She told about several bills considered in the Russian parliament that should increase efficiency of the country’s economy.