RESTRICTED  
  
WT/TPR/W/199  
 
10 January 2022  
(22-0208) Page: 1/76 
Trade Policy Review Body    
 
*In Original language only/ En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  
RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 27 AND 29 OCTOBER 2021  
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 24 January 2022 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
FÉDÉRATION DE RUSSIE 
PROJET DE COMPTE RENDU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 27 ET 29 OCTOBRE 2021  
Les délégations sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Daniela Salas : danielamariana.salas@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 24 janvier 2022 au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
FEDERACIÓN DE RUSIA 
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 27 Y 29 DE OCTUBRE DE 2021  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Daniela Salas : 
danielamariana.salas@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más t ardar el 24 de enero de 2022  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: H.E . Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana)  
 
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  3 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ....... 5 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ...............  8 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  ................................ ................................ .......................  11 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION AND  
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ..............................  66 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  75 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies provided 
by the Russian Federation are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/416/Add.1 and will be available 
online at http://www.wto.org/english/trato p_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The second  Trade Policy Review of the Russian Federation  was held on 2 7 and 2 9 October  2021. 
The Chairperson, H.E. Dr. Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme  (Botswana), welcomed the delegation of the 
Russian Federation , headed by H.E. Ms. Ekaterina Mayorova , Director of the Department of Trade 
Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development ; H.E. Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev , Permanent 
Representative of the Rus sian Federation  to the WTO; the rest of the delegation; and the discussant, 
H.E. Ambassador  Mr. Didier Chambovey  (Switzerland ). 
1.2.  The Chairperson was pleased that, in addition to physical presence, the meeting also benefited 
from the Interprefy online connec tion, allowing for a wider participation of the Membership, in 
particular of officials who could not make the journey from Moscow  given the current circumstances.  
1.3.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of TPRs and the main elements of procedures for the 
meeting. The report by the Russian Federation  is contained in document WT/TPR/G/41 6, and that 
of the WTO Secretariat in document WT/TPR/S/41 6. 
1.4.  Questions by the following delegations were submitted in writing before the deadline:  China; 
Switzerland; Brazil; Sin gapore; Hong Kong, China; the Philippines; the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; 
Australia; Mexico; Israel ; the United States;  Canada; Costa Rica; India; Japan; Kyrgyz Republic; 
Viet Nam; the European Union; Argentina; United Kingdom; Norway; Chile; Ukraine; the Re public 
of Korea; Chinese Taipei; Kazakhstan; Brunei Darussalam ; and Mongolia . The following delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline:  Iceland; Malaysia; Thailand; Colombia; Dominican 
Republic; Ecuador; Turkey; Indonesia; and Uruguay .  
1.5.  At the time of its first Review in 2016, Members had acknowledged the challenging economic 
environment the Russian Federation was facing. They had welcomed the structural reforms taken 
by the Government to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on hydrocar bons.  
1.6.  In particular, Members had noted that the Russian Federation's response to the economic crisis 
had focused on three principal measures, namely: a fiscal stimulus; the floating of the Rouble; and 
import substitution. While the first two had been  viewed favourably in general, some delegations 
had questioned how the third could align with the basic principles of the WTO.  
1.7.  In this context, the Chairperson first focused on the Russian Federation's economic 
developments since its last Review. The Secretaria t report indicates that real GDP growth in the 
Russian Federation averaged 1.7% in 2016 -19. Prudent management resulted in macroeconomic 
stability, as evidenced by the existence of a fiscal surplus during most of the review period, a low 
inflation rate, an d ample international reserves.  
1.8.  The Russian Federation remains highly dependent on hydrocarbons. It managed to mitigate 
the impact of declining and volatile oil prices and other external developments, notably through the 
floating exchange rate regime, and a new fiscal rule.  At the same time, new national development 
objectives and related national projects were adopted in 2018 and revised in 2020, which aim ed to 
improve the Russian Federation's long term economic growth and development performance.  
1.9.  The Review took place during  an unprecedented global health crisis with COVID -19 hitting 
economies across the world in rapid succession. Thus, the Russian Federation's economic downturn 
in 2020 was exacerbated by the health crisis, which led to a 3 .0% real GDP con traction, and to an 
increase of the unemployment rate.  
1.10.   In response to the pandemic, the Russian Federation introduced macroeconomic stabilization 
policies that, together with accumulated buffers, have enabled to manage the impact of these 
adverse shocks.  
1.11.   From the trade perspective, during the previous Review, Members had commended the 
Russian Federation for its contribution to the multilateral trading system and the considerable 
progress made in liberalizing its trade and investment regimes both before and  after accession to 
the WTO.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  1.12.   At that time, Members sought information on the policies of the Eurasian Economic Union 
(EAEU) as trade policy formulation in the Russian Federation involves both EAEU and national 
institutions and legislation.  
1.13.   In this regard , since its last Review, the customs legislation had been  updated following the 
EAEU  Customs Code's entry into force on 1 January 2018. The Russian Federation applies the EAEU 
unified customs tariff, with some exceptions. The simple average applied MFN tariff rate declined 
slightly between 2016 and 2021, from 8.3% to 7.9%, which was partly explained by the phased 
implementation of WTO accession commitments.  
1.14.   The Secretariat and Government reports highlight that significant legal changes have occurred 
since 2016, including in the areas of customs procedures and requirements, export duties an d taxes, 
export support, public procurement, foreign investment, competition, protection of intellectual 
property, mining and energy, financial services, and telecommunications services. The review period 
also witnessed the adoption of several new strategi es, national projects, and state programmes in 
various policy areas.  
1.15.   In its previous Review, concerns had been  expressed about local content requirements, 
particularly in the context of government procurement and state -owned enterprises. According to 
the S ecretariat report prepared for this Review, the Russian Federation continued to pursue import 
substitution and localization policies. Nonetheless, the Russian Federation also emphasised the 
importance of the promotion and diversification of non -energy expo rts, especially in the new national 
development objectives announced in 2018.  
1.16.   A survey of the advance questions submitted for this Review show ed the wide range of topics 
of interest to Members regarding the Russian Federation's trade and investment regimes , including 
among many others: trade policy objectives; industrial policy and WTO obligations; role of the EAEU; 
import substitution; consistency of bound and applied import tariffs; trade concerns related to SPS 
and TBT requirements; enforcement of compet ition law; state -ownership; government procurement; 
enforcement of intellectual property; State Program for the Development of Agriculture; legal 
framework governing mining, oil and gas sectors; and policies relating to services.  
1.17.   The Russian Federation rec eived 1,017 advance written questions from 35 delegations for this 
review, out of which 872 were sent within the established deadline, covering a broad range of topics. 
Prior to th is meeting, the Russian Federation already provided written replies to many of these 
questions, and the Chairperson was looking forward to hearing the Russian Federation's updates on 
these issues during the two -day meeting . 
1.18.   This meeting was a good opportunity for Members to discuss in greater detail issues of interest 
to them and of systemic importance to the multilateral trading system. It was also an opportune 
moment for the Russian Federation to update the Membership on the impact of COVID -19 on its 
economy and measures it has taken in response. The Chairperson was looking  forwa rd to a fruitful 
exchange.  
1.19.   The Chairperson closed her  introductory remarks by wishing the Russian Federation a very 
successful second Trade Policy Review.  
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF  THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION ( H.E. 
MS. EKATERINA MAYOROVA ) 
2.1.  It is an honour for me to lead the Russian delegation at the second  Trade Policy Review today.  
2.2.  I would like to thank Ambassador Chambovey of Switzerland for acting as discussant for this 
review, as well as the Chair of the TPRB for the introductory remarks. I would also like to extend 
our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat. Colleagues have worked intensively over the last year for 
organizing this meeting despite the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic.  
2.3.  Let me also extend our appreciation for the Members' vis ible interest in Russia's trade policy. 
We have received 1 ,017 questions from 35 Members. 617 came before the deadline. For the past 
weeks we have been working on them around the clock together with two dozen government 
agencies. By now, written responses for 876 of questions have been circulated. Please be assured 
that the remaining responses will be provided in due course, within the required timeframe.  
2.4.  We are pleased to take stock and exchange views with the Membership about where Russia 
stands in the mu ltilateral trading system today. The time since the last Russia's TPR has been quite 
eventful, to say the least, both at the national and global levels.  
2.5.  These years were marked by growing trade tensions, economic and legal uncertainty and 
emerging challeng es for the multilateral trading system. The inclusive growth of the world economy 
has been constrained by new behavior habits of some members. Those habits are often based on 
unilateralism, force and discrimination. Politicization of trade has also been on e of the serious 
challenges.  
2.6.  Nonetheless, Russia remains firmly committed to the rules -based trading system with the WTO 
at its core.  
2.7.  We strongly believe that multilateral approach is more effective in tackling global problems. 
Russia's WTO membership contributed to the tasks of promoting development and diversification of 
the Russian economy, expanding variety and geography of exports, and attracting foreign 
investment.  
2.8.  During 2016 -2019 Russia's foreign trade turnover increased by 43%. In se rvices, during same 
period, there was also a stable growth at the average annual rate of 3.9%.  The agro -industrial 
complex has been one of the key drivers of the Russian economy in the recent years.  
2.9.  I have to note, that these are figures that represent pr e-pandemic situation, which evidently 
has affected all countries, including Russia. As many other Members, we had to take emergency 
fiscal, economic and trade measures to tackle the COVID -19 consequences. Most of such emergency 
measures are temporary. They  are designed to address the pandemic -induced economic downturn.  
2.10.   Russia is committed to open markets and continues its efforts to further liberalize and 
facilitate trade and investment flows. Since the first Russia's TPR, the weighted average import tariff  
has decreased to 4.49% in 2020. This is about 2 percent lower than Russia's bound levels. As part 
of the fulfilment of our tariff commitments, import duties have been reduced in respect of more than 
2,700 tariff lines.  
2.11.   In March 2016 Russia ratified the T FA and from the date of its entry into force Russia has 
implemented all of its provisions. The Customs Code of the Eurasian Economic Union which came 
into force in January 2018 fully concords with the TFA.  
2.12.   Russia also continued expanding regional economic  integration. We are promoting integration 
within the Eurasian Economic Union. The review of the Union undertaken in the WTO in 2018 
demonstrated that it functions in full conformity with the WTO rules, in particular GATT Article XXIV. 
Meanwhile, in the re porting period together with the EAEU Member States, we have concluded 
number of new FTAs. Negotiations on FTAs with Egypt and Israel are on the go. Feasibilities Studies 
have been launched with Mongolia and Indonesia.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  2.13.   The reporting period was marked by a number of positive changes in investment regulation. 
Some of the new mechanisms received particular attention from the Members as we can see it from 
the submitted questions. Among them are the Business Climate Transformation, the regulatory 
guillotine, the  regulatory sandboxes. A mechanism of agreements with individual investors on the 
protection and promotion of capital investments was launched. It reinforced the predictable 
groundwork for large investment projects. Corporate law was improved. Since 2016, investment -
related treaty negotiations with other countries have been guided by new modernized approaches 
adopted by the Russian Government.  
2.14.   We took note of many questions received in respect of Russia's environmental policy. There 
was a number of signifi cant improvements in this area as well. The recently adopted law on limiting 
greenhouse gas emissions introduced mandatory emissions reporting by largest emitters. The law 
also created incentives to implement voluntary climate projects and enables the circ ulation of carbon 
units. We launched a pilot project on Sakhalin Island for the introduction of an emissions trading 
system. Since last year, the system of green financing has been intensively developed. The draft of 
green projects taxonomy is at its final  stage now. The Russian government is now working on a 
long-term low carbon development strategy with 2060 as a target year for carbon neutrality.  
2.15.   Another important area is the diversification of Russia's economy. In 2018 the share of the 
oil and gas secto r in the country's GDP reached its maximum level at 21.1% and has begun to 
steadily decline since then. By 2020 it has dropped to  15.2%. The diversification is being achieved 
through the implementation of a wide range of measures and policies, including te chnological 
modernization. For instance, the level of innovation of organizations increased to more than 9 %, 
and the share of high -tech and knowledge -intensive products in GDP increased to 23.4% in 2020.  
2.16.   As stated in both TPR Reports, Russia has also impr oved its policies in respect to the IPR 
protection, competition, transparency and other areas.  
2.17.   There were numerous questions received in this TPR in respect to some elements of our trade 
policies which I would like to comment shortly right now.  
2.18.   First, imp ort substitution. I do not think we have invented something new here. Many of us 
implement concept of food security, which includes certain levels of guaranteed domestic production 
and supplies. Many of us are taking measures to secure uninterrupted functi oning of critical supply 
chains. In Russia's case COVID pandemic and shortage in supplies were supplemented by unilateral 
trade and economic sanctions. Finally, some of us are involved in - as they call it - reshoring 
programs, aimed at return back of prod uction which was offshored before. In times of dissolution of 
the USSR, establishment of market economy and consequent economic turbulence in Russia we lost 
production sites and jobs in practically all sectors of its economy, where domestic production was 
simply substituted by imports, and workplaces disappeared.  
2.19.   That is what we do. And we do it in a manner which is absolutely WTO -friendly. We do not 
increase import tariffs, we do not prohibit imports, and we do not unreasonably apply trade 
remedies. We us e agriculture subsidies well below our maximum AMS levels. We use government 
procurement to support domestic producers. We create incentives for investors, including within 
special economic zones.  
2.20.   Second set of comments and questions is connected with Russ ia's role of the State in the 
economy and trade. In our view, the key is whether there is a fair competition between private and 
state companies. Under our Constitution all types of property in Russia are equal. It means that 
governmental involvement gives  no preferences. Except for few public monopolies, all companies in 
Russia are subject to same laws, and same taxes. Meanwhile, we continue the privatization and 
demonopolization of key sectors. Gazprom who was monopolist in domestic market for decades, 
now covers less than 50 % of domestic consumption. Remaining 50 % come from independent 
producers. Since the last TPR the number of companies with state participation in Russia decreased 
by 30%.  
2.21.   As I pointed out, Russia is firmly anchored with the multilatera l trading system. We want this 
system to be effective and adopted to modern -day challenges. We believe that the WTO needs to 
be reformed. We have consistently promoted this view not only in the WTO, but at other international 
fora - G20, BRICS, APEC, etc.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  2.22.   An issue of urgent priority for Russia is the restoration of a fully operational dispute settlement 
system, in particular through resolution of the longstanding Appellate Body crisis. To this end Russia 
stands open and ready for substantive discussions wit h all WTO Members, including on Members' 
existing concerns about certain adjudicative approaches and specific rulings.  
2.23.   Another important area continues to be modernization of WTO rules to facilitate all forms of 
trade and investment, which have been transf ormed profoundly in the recent years. Russia has 
actively participated in the ongoing multilateral and plurilateral tracks – fisheries, agriculture, e -
commerce, investment facilitation, services domreg, investment facilitation, MSMEs, women 
empowerment. We  hope to achieve tangible results at the upcoming MC12 in the next month. We 
have also joined the Informal dialogue on Plastics Pollution and now we considering the participation 
in the Structured Discussions on Environment and Sustainability.  
2.24.   Moreover, t here are emerging issues not yet sufficiently covered by the WTO agenda. There 
are strong requests in favor of addressing market -distorting subsidies in both industrial and 
agricultural sectors. Besides, there are other forms of competitive distortions tha t, in our view, 
unjustifiably lack our attention. I mean for instance anti -competitive practices of transnational 
corporations, barriers to technology access, abuse of various exceptions that also harm competition, 
but still escape attention of the Members hip. In Russia's view, the WTO should address these 
challenges, too, in a comprehensive manner that would account the interests of all Members.  
2.25.   To conclude, we firmly believe in the paramount importance of our joint work in strengthening 
and improving an o pen, rules -based and balanced multilateral trading system. We will combine these 
efforts with on -going work of creation business - and investment -friendly environment in our country.  
We approach today's TPR as a valuable opportunity to listen and to learn. We look forward to 
participating in the exchange of opinions and ideas; inspired by your comments and questions.   
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DISCUSSANT  
3.1.  Let me warmly welcome the Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry 
of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, and her distinguished 
delegation.  
3.2.  It is my honor to participate in the role of the discussa nt in the second  Trade Policy Review of 
the Russian Federation.  
3.3.  The accession to the WTO in 2012 was a landmark for both, the Russian Federation and the 
multilateral trading system. On the part of the Russian Federation, it brought about wide -ranging 
reform efforts and the establishment of a more open and liberal trade regime. For the multilateral 
trading system, and the WTO in particular, it meant further strengthening and a step towards 
universality. It is therefore a particular privilege to have a close r look at the trade and trade -related 
policies of the largest WTO member by area.  
3.4.  The detailed reports prepared by the Russian Federation and the Secretariat are a very rich 
source of information. The work and effort that went into those documents are ther efore highly 
appreciated.  
3.5.  My remarks as discussant are structured along three questions: First, what are the most 
important macroeconomic features that influence Russia's trade policy? Second, what are the key 
changes since the last trade policy review in 2016? And third, what are the main trade and trade -
related challenges faced by the member under review? I will then end my intervention with some 
general observations.  
Macroeconomic situation  
3.6.  Let me start by turning to the first question and high lighting significant points related to the 
macroeconomic context of Russia's trade policy.  
3.7.  Russia has been performing stronger than projected in terms of economic outturns, given the 
external shocks it experienced in recent years. In times of a global pand emic, Russia's economy has 
shown a high degree of resilience. At the beginning of the COVID -19 crisis, Russia was equipped 
with a sound policy framework and significant financial buffers such as a public debt below 20 % of 
GDP and substantial savings and re serves. This allowed for effective financial support: Fiscal support 
of about 3.3 % of GDP was dedicated to the health sector, vulnerable households and the 
unemployed, as well as to supporting businesses with a focus on SMEs and preventing large -scale 
layoffs. This significant amount is in line with the average fiscal support of other G20 emerging 
markets.  
3.8.  Russia's economy also absorbed the volatility of the energy market. This is an impressive 
achievement given that the Russian Federation is one of the wor ld's major producers of oil, gas, and 
electricity, and one of the most energy -intensive economies. The Russian Federation demonstrated 
reasonably stable growth, retaining the 11th position in the world ranking of countries' nominal GDP. 
Nonetheless, the gr owth rate averaged 1.7% between 2016 and 2019, compared to 4.8% in the 
previous decade. This is three  times less than before.  
3.9.  As I just pointed out, Russia's export -focused economy has already well recovered to pre -
pandemic levels and the outlook is optimi stic. Yet, the recovery, together with global inflation and a 
weak Rouble, is resulting in higher consumer prices and reduced living standards. Russia's inflation 
rate recently was at a five -year high. Despite forecasts that inflation in Russia will soon t rend 
downwards, it remains a concern.  
Key changes and developments since the last review  
3.10.   I will now address key changes and developments in Russia's trade patterns and trade policy 
since the last TPR.  
3.11.   As we heard from Director Mayorova, significant legal c hanges have been made since 2016, 
including in the areas of customs procedures and requirements, export duties and taxes, export 
support, public procurement, foreign investment, competition, IP, mining and energy, banking, and WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  telecommunication. Those chan ges have been along the line of Russia's development strategies, 
which aim to improve the Russian Federation's long -term economic growth and development.  
3.12.   Let me now highlight some of the key development since the last review.  
3.13.   Firstly, the Russian Federati on has implemented a wide range of measures and policies aimed 
at economic diversification, by improving the business environment and investment climate, 
developing international trade and economic cooperation, promoting technological modernization, 
and su pporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). As a result, Russia is now ranking 
28th among 190 economies in the ease of doing business, according to the latest World Bank annual 
ratings. This is an improvement compared to rank 40 in 2016.  
3.14.   Secondly , in the period of 2016 to 2019, Russia's foreign trade turnover increased by 43%. 
This positive development is attributed to the relative stabilization of global energy prices. In 
addition, the agro -industrial complex was one of the drivers of the Russian  export growth in the 
recent years.  
3.15.   As a third point, I would like to highlight, that the geographical structure of Russia's foreign 
trade has shifted. The European Union remains with around 34% of Russian trade turnover the most 
important trading partner , even though its share decreased by 6.9% between 2016 and 2020. With 
a share of 33.8% the economies of the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) are the second 
major group of trading partners. The share of APEC increased by 4.1% from 2016 to 2020. In t his 
region, China is the key partner with a share of more than 18%.  
3.16.   Fourthly, the creation of the Eurasian Economic Union in 2015 is an important element of 
Russia's trade policy today.  
3.17.   Finally, I do not want to leave out that Russia has been playing a pr oactive role in 
strengthening and promoting the multilateral trading system. Since its accession, Russia has become 
a strong contributor to the WTO, both in the regular work and in various negotiations, including, the 
discussions on fisheries subsidies, th e WTO reform, e -commerce, agriculture, services and more 
recently trade and health. Russia is also a party to the Information Technology Agreement. 
Furthermore, Russia actively participates in the negotiations of the Joint Statements Initiatives 
launched a t the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference as well as the Informal Dialogue on Plastics 
Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade (IDP).  
Trade and trade -related challenges  
3.18.   Turning now to the second question: What trade and trade related -challenge s are faced by 
the Russian Federation?  
3.19.   In their report, the Russian federation pointed out that they are confronted with the same 
challenges that all Members face such as sustainable development, particularly in the field of 
environment, and the transform ation to a digital economy. My following considerations will however 
focus on two other key trade -related challenges, firstly export diversification, and secondly injecting 
competitiveness and dynamism into the economy.  
Export diversification  
3.20.   Russia's econ omy has frequently been described as "structurally highly dependent on 
hydrocarbons". It is therefore a key priority of the Russian Federation to diversify its exports away 
from gas and oil. In this regard, some progress could be made: The GDP share of the  oil and gas 
sector was 28% in 2020, which is a decrease by 15% compared to 2016. In addition, the share of 
oil and gas revenues in the total exports has gone down by 8.5% since 2016 and amounted to 49.6% 
in 2020. However, the dependency remains a challeng e, in particular given the need to move towards 
more renewable energy alternatives.  
3.21.   Closely connected to the diversification of exports is the import substitution strategy that has 
been in effect since 2015 as a reaction to post -2014 sanctions. The aim is to give preference to 
domestic producers by imposing restrictions on public contracts or subsidies. The stated objective is 
to diversify the domestic economy and, as a result, increase the non -commodity share of exports. 
The Russian Federation also pursues  import substitution through other instruments, particularly the WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  regulation of public procurement and measures to incentivize localization. This is a major source of 
criticism among WTO members. The strategy for import substitution in the past five years h as shown 
mixed results in terms of achieving higher domestic production levels and decreasing import 
dependency.  
3.22.   Let me now turn to the second major challenge I would like to underline.  
Competition and dynamism  
3.23.   Developing competition in economic sectors an d inducing more dynamism has become an 
important goal of the Russian Federation. In particular, I noted the progress already made. The 
number of unitary enterprises and the number of joint stock companies in which the State holds 
more than 30% of the share s declined during the reviewed period. Nevertheless, I would like to 
highlight that State involvement in the economy remains considerable. State trading and State -
Owned Enterprises are still prominent and have a significant impact on competition and econom ic 
efficiency. This is why Members have raised questions on SOEs, expressing preoccupations when 
Russian SOEs are directly competing with their products and services.  
3.24.   This brings me to the next issue, which is government procurement. In Russia, the 
govern ment has the right to establish preferences, including through the procurement of a minimum 
share of goods, works, and services provided by Russian suppliers. Since 2016, for example, a 15% 
price preference can be applied by State Owned Enterprises, regula ted entities, monopoly entities 
and utility companies for goods, works, and services of Russian Federation origin. It is therefore 
unfortunate that the process of joining the Government Procurement Agreement of the WTO is on 
halt. The accession to the WTO GPA and the submission of the outstanding notifications to the WTO 
on State Trading Enterprises could help improve transparency, reduce distortions and stimulate 
growth.  
3.25.   Another challenge compounded by the COVID -19 pandemic is the strong decline in FDI inf lows 
into Russia in 2020, both in the manufacturing and the services sectors. In 2020, inward FDI 
temporarily dropped to USD 1.4 billion, down from USD 28.9 billion in 2019, according to the Russian 
central bank. Even though FDI in the region is said to re cover to its pre -crisis trendline, it is expected 
by UNCTAD that this will occur slower than the recovery of trade flows. In Russia, restrictions on 
FDI have increased since 2016 and remain relatively high, according to the OECD's FDI Regulatory 
Restrictiv eness Index. For example, the list of strategic sectors in which foreign investment requires 
prior approval was expanded in 2017 and the administrative burden remains higher for foreign 
investors. The World Bank therefore recommends to untangle the complex  web of laws and foster a 
business culture that gives investors more security.  
3.26.   I hope that the TPR will offer new perspectives on how to best overcome those challenges.  
Conclusion  
3.27.   Chair , let me now come to my conclusion.  Overall, the economy of the Russian Federation 
has proven its resilience under the current pandemic. The laid -out strategies and initiatives are 
aimed at improving the business climate, increasing competition, addressing governance 
shortcomings and reducin g the regulatory burden. They are therefore right on point to foster Russia's 
economic growth. While we recognize Russia's endeavors to further facilitate trade and open new 
sectors to investment, we also note certain protectionist tendencies. I therefore hope that Russia in 
future no longer sees the necessity for those policies and considers the mutually beneficial 
advantages of a level -playing field for all WTO Members.  
3.28.   Also, I would like to commend Russia for outlining its contribution to combat global w arming. 
Furthermore, as a fellow supporter of the relevant Joint Statement Initiatives, I would like to express 
my appreciation for Russia's efforts to support MSMEs and empower women to be better integrate 
into the economy.  
3.29.   I hope that Russia will contin ue to be a firm supporter of the rules -based multilateral trading 
system and help further shape the WTO as an institution. Russia's dedication to restore a fully 
operational dispute settlement system is a case in point. In this regard, I look forward to co nstructive 
discussions today, and wish the Russian Federation a successful and insightful T rade Policy Review .  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS  
CHINA  
4.1.  I’d like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of the Russian Federation led by H.E . 
Ms Ekaterina Mayorova and  appreciate the government of Russia for the preparation for this review. 
I would also like to express my gratitude to the Discussant, H.E Ambassador Chambovey for his 
insightful remarks. Let me also thank the Secretariat for their invaluable contribution to the review.  
4.2.  China is pleased to note that, during the period of Trade Policy Review, the Russian Federation 
has maintained the course of economic diversification and increasing investment attractiveness of 
the domestic market, improving legislative regu lation, supporting and developing the multilateral 
trading system, countering trade protectionism, as well as effectively participating in regional 
integration processes.  
4.3.  Despite the crisis COVID -19 pandemic, the resilience of Russian economy is applaudab le. 
According to IMF analysts, GDP growth in 2021 and 2022 will increase by 4.4% and 3.1% 
respectively, thanks to the implementation of a balanced social and economic policy of the Russian 
Federation.  
4.4.  China commends Russia’s strong support to the multilate ral trading system and clear rejection 
of protectionism. We applaud Russia’s contribution to the discussion on WTO reform and share the 
same view with Russia that the fully -functioning of a two -tier dispute settlement system through the 
restore of the Appe llate Body is an issue of top priority. We also highly appreciate Russia 's positive 
proposals to promote the outcomes of MC12, especially for negotiations on fisheries subsidies.  
4.5.  China applauds Russia’s active participation and constructive role in the neg otiations on 
Investment Facilitation for Development and look forward to extensive and constructive cooperation 
with Russia under the framework of JSIs such as e -commerce, MSMEs, gender, as well as the 
Informal Dialogue on Plastics. China especially apprec iates the fruitful work of the Russian Mission 
to WTO led by H.E . Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev and looks forward to our continued close 
cooperation in Geneva.  
4.6.  In addition to the WTO, Russia’s voices of sticking to the rules -based multilateral trading 
system , fighting against protectionism, including in the form of unilateral trade restrictions are also 
loud and clear. China remains committed to working closely with Russia in safeguarding multilateral 
trading system on various fora, such as Shanghai Cooperati on Organization, BRICS, G20 and APEC.  
4.7.  China has been Russia 's largest trading partner for eleven  consecutive years. Russia is one of 
the top ten trading partners of China. Despite the global economic downturn, the bilateral trade 
volume between China and R ussia continues to grow. In the first nine months of 2021, bilateral 
trade volume reached  USD 102.5 billion, up 29.8% year -on-year. Based on that positive trend, our 
bilateral trade volume is expected to reach a new record this year. Besides, China high -tech 
investment in Russia has increased significantly, reflecting an upgraded structure of bilateral 
economic and trade cooperation.  
4.8.  Under the strategic leadership of China and Russia, the Belt and Road Initiative and the 
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) well echoes each other and accomplishes in trade, investment and 
regional cooperation. Particularly, the national level E -commerce cooperation mechanism since 2018 
has brought benefits to both sides and also boost the economic growth in the Belt and Road 
countr ies. 
4.9.  China and Russia are both emerging economies with great development potential. We look 
forward to observing further progress in Russia’s trade and investment regimes, with the common 
wish to create a more liberalized business environment for the welfa re of our people and for a more 
prosperous bilateral economic and trade relationship. As H.E . Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev 
mentioned last week, this year marks the 20th anniversary of the signing of the China -Russia Treaty 
of Good -Neighborliness and Friendl y Cooperation, which sets out an ambitious agenda of bilateral 
political, investment, scientific, technical, humanitarian, trade and economic cooperation. It’s worth 
noting that, this treaty was extended for another five years from June 2021, which we beli eve would WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  further strengthen the China -Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new 
era. 
4.10.   For the purpose of this review, China submitted the questions to Russia, we appreciate the 
written response from Russia and we will review them  carefully.  Finally, I wish the Russian delegation 
every success in this T rade Policy Review .  
SWITZERLAND  
4.11.   Thank you for giving me the floor. I would like to extend a very cordial welcome to Russia 's 
delegation led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova. Furthermore, I thank the Secretariat for its, as always, 
substantive report.  
4.12.   Switzerland highly values its trade relations with the Russian Federation. Since the last TPR, 
significant developments in bilateral tr ade between Switzerland and Russia have taken place. 
Amongst others, Swiss exports to Russia increased by a third during the period under review. 
Currently, more than 200 Swiss companies are operating in Russia and Switzerland has been among 
the ten most i mportant investors in Russia since 2014. In our ongoing bilateral dialogue with Russia, 
we look forward to examining a wide range of issues such as the cooperation in the field of 
mechanical and electrical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industry and watch industry, as 
well as cooperation in the field of agricultural exports and intellectual property rights.  
4.13.   The indicators of fiscal and budgetary policy of Russia remain positive: Russia has the sixth -
lowest national debt and the sixth -highest natio nal reserves in the world. This allowed the Russian 
Federation to absorb the economic shock of the COVID -19 pandemic. Yet, inflation gives reasons for 
concern and we note the strong actions taken by the Central Bank of Russia by increasing the interest 
rates. 
4.14.   We took well note of the Russian Federation’s efforts to diversify exports away from the 
natural resources and commodities sector. However, the manner in which the move away from 
hydrocarbons is played out remains a concern for Switzerland. In particul ar, export subsidies and 
import substitution have to be mentioned. For instance, financial support to exporters, in the form 
of partial reimbursement of certification costs, are considered problematic. We are interested to 
learn, how the Russian Federation  ensures that its industrial policy is compatible with WTO 
obligations, in particular on subsidies.  
4.15.   Another concern of Switzerland relates to the importance of State Owned Enterprises. Whilst 
it must be recognized, that there have been some reform efforts aimed at making SOEs more 
efficient, it cannot be denied that quite a few such enterprises continue to suffer from modest 
productivity and profitability. We therefore encourage the Russian Federation to pursue its efforts to 
reinforce market -based principl es in the running of SOEs in order to improve productivity and 
competitiveness and to enable a level playing field. The lack of transparency relating to SOEs is 
another concern. Russia should provide the relevant outstanding notifications to the WTO.  
4.16.   Regar ding other changes in the Russian and global economy, we encourage the Russian 
Federation to continue to improve the provision of infrastructure to accelerate the energy transition 
and broaden access to Information and Communication Technology. A rethinkin g of competition and 
anti-trust frameworks is also needed in our view, in order to ensure market entry for new actors, 
both local and international.  
4.17.   Switzerland welcomes the initial steps taken to accede to the GPA. However, transparency 
and non -discrimina tion in government procurement remain serious concerns with the current 
procurement regime. Goods, works, and services of Russian origin procured by government entities 
enjoy a price preference of 15%. Furthermore, certain categories of locally produced go ods are given 
a preference in the form of the so -called „third odd one out rule. We consider this to be (quasi) 
localization requirements. In particular , Small and Medium Enterprises face serious disadvantages 
when accessing the Russian procurement market.  Important reforms are therefore needed within a 
reasonable timeframe in order to complete this accession.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.18.   Finally, we welcome the constructive engagement of Russia in various Joint Statement 
Initiatives and other WTO negotiations. We are pleased to see th e Russian engagement in the work 
on MSMEs, Women’s economic empowerment and e -commerce.  
4.19.   We thank Russia for having provided replies to all our questions submitted in writing and wish 
its distinguished delegation a successful outcome of this Trade Policy Review.  
BRAZIL  
4.20.   I would like to start by welcoming the Russian delegation, headed by H.E. Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development ; 
and by thanking the Russian Mission to the WTO, headed by Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev, for its 
efforts and contributions to this important transparency exercise.  
4.21.   I would also like to express our appreciation to the Russian Government and to the WTO 
Secreta riat for their comprehensive reports, as well as to the discussant, Ambassador Didier 
Chambovey, for his insightful observations on Russia 's economic and trade policies.  
4.22.   Russia is a strategic partner of Brazil with whom we cooperate here at the WTO, in the  BRICS 
and at the G20. Presidents Putin and Bolsonaro have been able to maintain a fluid and constant 
dialogue since 2019, when the current administration took office in Brazil. Our bilateral trade flows 
are complementary: Brazil is an important supplier o f agricultural goods to Russia; on the other 
hand, Russia is the main source of fertilizers for our agriculture. The Russian market is critical for 
Brazilian beef, soyabeans, tobacco, coffee, peanuts and fruits, among other products.  
4.23.   In 2020, bilateral tra de flows were significantly hit by the pandemic, with a decrease around 
19% from 2019 levels. Brazil and Russia trade reached USD 4.27 billion in 2020, with a deficit of 
USD 1.2 billion for Brazil. As both TPR Reports show, Russian 's economy is recovering and has a 
positive outlook for 2021 and 2022, as a result of social and economic policies. The numbers for 
2021 are already reflecting that: bilateral trade reversed the negative trend with a growth of 58% 
till September, with overall trade flows of USD 4. 9 billion. We are very likely to surpass pre -pandemic 
trade levels in 2021.  
4.24.   The Brazilian economy has been contributing very positively to that recovery in trade flows: 
our imports of Russian products increased by 93.5% in 2021 up to September and reached USD 
3.8 billion.  
4.25.   Trade between Russia and Brazil has been much larger in the past. Our peak trade flows 
reached USD 8 billion in 2008. One of the reasons for the current and past levelling of Russian 
imports of Brazilian products is pointed out by the Secr etariat Report: Russia 's import substitution 
and localization policies. National food security policies have established very high -level targets of 
market share for local production, as high as 85% for beef and fisheries, for instance. On a positive 
note, we welcome the reduction in Russia 's average applied MFN tariffs between 2016 and 2021, as 
mentioned on the Secretariat report, as well as the removal of export duties on products covered by 
235 tariff lines.  
4.26.   Another reason why Brazil was not able to expor t larger amounts of products to Russia is the 
imposition of sanitary barriers to beef imports since 2018. We are negotiating bilaterally the terms 
by which Brazil could have more meatpacking plants approved to export beef, poultry and pork to 
Russia. It is  of Paramount importance that Russia resumes inspection missions to Brazil ’s 
meatpacking industry, as soon as possible. We believe Brazil and Russia can work together and do 
more to diversify our trade, expanding the range of products we export to each oth er, including the 
trade of manufactured goods. Our ongoing trade cooperation dialogue between MERCOSUR and 
Eurasian Economic Union can also be helpful in that sense.  
4.27.   Russia is an important potential source of Foreign Direct Investments to Brazil. We welcom e 
the interest of Russian companies in our infrastructure sector, in particular in our Investment 
Partnerships Program (PPI) projects for railways, ports and energy production.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.28.   Under Russia 's BRICS presidency, we approved in 2020 the Strategy for BRICS Eco nomic 
Partnership 2025. One of the basic principles of the BRICS strategy is our commitment to the rules 
of the multilateral trading system. Last month, at the BRICS summit, we reiterated our support for 
a transparent, rules -based, open, inclusive and non -discriminatory multilateral trading system, with 
the WTO at its core. The BRICS recognize the need for an urgent reform of the WTO aimed at 
preserving its relevance, core values and fundamental principles.  
4.29.   Russia and Brazil share some common views about wh at the MC12 commitments should be, 
such as restoring and improving the dispute settlement system and revitalizing the negotiating 
function of the WTO. In this spirit, Brazil looks forward to continuing its engagement with Russia and 
other Members towards a  successful outcome at MC12 this year.  
4.30.   Brazil has submitted a number of questions in this Trade Policy Review. These questions 
addressed topics like telecommunications, fuel and energy policies, global value chains, export 
promotion policies, trade in loca l currencies, and other topics. We thank Russia for its written replies, 
which were forwarded to our capital for examination and follow -up. 
4.31.   Let me conclude, Chair, by wishing Russia a very successful and productive Trade Policy 
Review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.32.   Singapore extends a warm welcome to the Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations 
of the Ministry of Economic Development, Ms Ekaterina Mayorova and her delegation. Let me begin 
by expressing our appreciation to the Russian Federation for its Government report and statement. 
Our appreciation also goes to the Chair , Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme, the d iscussant 
Ambassador Didier Chambovey , as well as the Secretariat for their valuable insights. Allow me to 
make three points.  
4.33.   First, Singapore and Russia share he althy and growing economic relations. In 2020, 
Singapore’s bilateral trade with Russia totalled US D 2 billion, making Russia Singapore’s top trading 
partner in the Central Asian region, and our 34th largest trading partner globally. Our two -way flow 
of inv estments has also continued to grow. Singapore was Russia’s largest source of foreign 
investment for the cumulative period from 2016 to 2020, and second largest foreign investor in 2020 
itself. The value of foreign direct investments from Singapore into Ru ssia reached nearly US D 
5.3 billion in 2019, and US D 16.2 billion from Russia to Singapore. Singapore companies see great 
potential in deepening our economic relationship in many areas, including food, technology and 
innovation, education and training as w ell as master -planning.  
4.34.   Second, Singapore commends Russia’s efforts to establish a network of Free Trade 
Agreements (FTAs) through the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The EAEU 's FTA strategy, 
including a Singapore -EAEU FTA, would enable the bloc to streng then economic relations with 
international partners and enhance integration with the global economy. When it enters into force, 
the EAEU -Singapore FTA will endow both sides with important institutional linkages and facilitative 
measures which will provide certainty in trade and investment rules. This will also send a positive 
signal to the international community of our mutual commitment to facilitate global trade and 
investment flows. Bilateral discussions on the Russia -Singapore Services and Investment Ag reement 
are on -going and we look forward to its swift conclusion.  
4.35.   Singapore looks forward to further strengthening our multi -faceted cooperation with Russia. 
Singapore and Russia established the High -Level Intergovernmental Commission (IGC) in November 
2009 chaired by our respective Ministers. The IGC covers a broad spectrum of issues including trade 
and investment, culture, education, science and technology and ICT. There is potential for Singapore 
to collaborate with Russia in its development of high -tech and competitive industries that focuses 
on innovation. We commend Russia 's efforts to digitalise its economy and develop its e -commerce 
sector which is matched by its active participation in international e -commerce related discussions 
including the JSI o n E-commerce. We also recognise the progress in Russia 's agriculture sector over 
the past decade, which has increased Russia 's contribution to improving global food security in its 
role as an important exporter of agri -food products. This is particularly p ertinent given the challenges 
posed by the COVID -19 pandemic to food security. In this regard, we see many opportunities for WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  cooperation and knowledge transfer as Singapore embarks on our "30 by 30 " programme which 
aims to produce 30 % of our nutritional ne eds locally in a sustainable manner by 2030.  
4.36.   Third, we commend Russia for its positive contributions to the WTO since its accession in 
2012. As highlighted in the Secretariat 's report, Russia participates in all four Joint Statement 
Initiatives, and also j oined several proposals and statements on the COVID -19 pandemic and world 
trade. Such active and constructive participation in the WTO underscores Russia 's commitment to 
the multilateral trading system and its conviction that the WTO is critical to ensuring a stable and 
predictable international trading environment. To further strengthen the critical pillar of transparency 
at the WTO, we encourage Russia to  submit the outstanding notifications flagged by the Secretariat, 
on agriculture, licensing procedures and state trading enterprises. Singapore has also requested 
Russia to provide more information on some aspects of its investment regime, its FTA strategy  and 
operationalisation, and development plans for its digital economy. We look forward to Russia’s 
responses.  
4.37.   We are confident that Russia will continue its positive economic development trajectory and 
wish Russia every success for its second T rade Polic y Review . 
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.38.   I would like to start by extending a warm welcome to the delegation of the Russian Federation 
led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Economic 
Development.I would also like to thank Ambassa dor Didier Chambovey of Switzerland for sharing 
with us his insights as discussant, and the Secretariat for the comprehensive reports prepared for 
this Review.  
4.39.   Hong Kong, China and the Russian Federation have enjoyed steady and prospering bilateral 
trade r elations. The Russian Federation was our 21st largest trading partner in merchandise trade 
in 2020, and 25th largest partner in services trade in 2019.  
4.40.   It is particularly encouraging to note that our bilateral merchandise trade during the past five 
years ( 2016-2020) recorded an average growth rate of over 15% a year, and our bilateral services 
trade recorded an average growth rate of around 3% a year (during 2015 -2019).  
4.41.   We are also glad to note the strong investment relationship between Hong Kong, China and  
the Russian Federation, with Hong Kong, China being the third largest source of foreign direct 
investment in the Russian Federation in 2020. The double taxation agreement between our two 
economies effective since July 2016 has also contributed to the furt her strengthening of our bilateral 
trade and investment relations.  
4.42.   We appreciate the support of the Russian Federation for the multilateral trading system as 
well as its active participation in and contributions to the WTO. We look forward to working with the 
Russian Federation and other Members in making MC12 a success.  
4.43.   The Russian Federation has actively supported the Joint Statement Initiative on Investment 
Facilitation for Development, including co -sponsoring the Joint Ministerial Statements in Buenos 
Aires in 2017 and Shanghai in 2019, participating in the structured discussions and submitting text 
proposals. Hong Kong, China will closely with the Russian Federation and other like -minded Members 
to further develop the framework for investment fa cilitation for development towards a concrete 
outcome by MC12.  
4.44.   We have the following observations on the trade policies of the Russian Federation.  
4.45.   First, trade facilitation. We are pleased to note that the Russian Federation has introduced 
further measures  during the reporting period, such as implementing a subject -oriented model of the 
risk management system, implementing the automation of customs operations, adopting electronic 
customs documents management to simplify customs procedures, eliminating unnec essary barriers 
and reducing the time for the release of goods.  
4.46.   Second, tariff. We are pleased to note that the Russian Federation has bound all of its tariff 
lines, with a simple average final bound rate of 8.4%. There is also a slight decrease in the sim ple WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  average applied MFN rate of the Russian Federation from 8.3% in 2016 to 7.9% in 2021. However, 
it is noted that 14% of the tariff lines have non -ad valorem rates in the form of specific, compound 
or mixed duties, with a rather high dispersion in the ov erall tariff rates ranging from zero to 284.6%. 
We encourage the Russian Federation to continue with its efforts in improving the tariff regime and 
simplifying its tariff structure.  
4.47.   Turning to anti -dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures, we note t hat between 
June 2016 and March 2021, all six completed expiry reviews resulted in continuation of the anti -
dumping (AD) measures in place. Meanwhile, the average timespan of AD measures in force during 
the same period was seven years, with ten AD measures  had been in place for more than five years, 
including six measures with timespans exceeding ten years. To avoid creating unnecessary 
restrictions to trade, we encourage the competent authority to conduct timely and thorough reviews 
to ensure that any AD m easures in force are fully justified.  
4.48.   Finally, services. We note that the services sector in the Russian Federation has continued to 
be the main contributor to its GDP, accounted for an estimated share of 61.1% during the period of 
2016-2020.In 2019, the R ussian Federation ranked 15th in the world’s services exports, and 11th 
in services imports. We encourage the Russian Federation to continue liberalising its services trade 
regime to create favourable conditions for trade in services and boost the competit iveness of its 
services sector in accordance with its trade policy.  In particular, we would urge the Russian 
Federation to seriously consider removing all its MFN exemptions.  
4.49.   Hong Kong, China values the Russian Federation as an important trading partner. W e look 
forward to maintaining our close bilateral trade ties and cooperating more closely with the Russian 
Federation in the WTO on issues of mutual interests. We thank the Russian Federation for the written 
replies to our questions and wish the Russian Fe deration a successful Trade Policy Review.  
KINGDOM  OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.50.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very pleased to take part in the second Trade Policy Review 
of Russian Federation and wishes to extend a very warm welcome to its distinguished delegation 
headed by H.E. Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry 
of Economic Development.  
4.51.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thanks the Russian Federation and the Trade Policies Review 
Division of the WTO Secretariat for their detail ed and comprehensive reports. We also thank the 
discussant , H.E. Dr Didier Chambovey , Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Swiss 
Permanent Mission to the WTO and EFTA in Geneva for his insightful and perceptive comments.  
4.52.   The trade policy review repor ts highlight that during the period of 2016 -2019, Russian 
Federation maintained a GDP growth rate which averaged at 1.7%. Russian prudent management 
resulted in macroeconomic stability, as evidenced by the existence of a fiscal surplus during most of 
the review period, a low inflation rate, and ample international reserves. Also, Russa managed the 
impact of declining and volatile of oil prices well.  
4.53.   International trade openness is clearly vital for Russian Federation as it continues its 
development and grow th. During the review period, Russian Federation has two FTAs that entered 
into force, and signed other two FTAs but still not yet put into force.  
4.54.   The Russian Federation is commended for its National Plan on the Development of the 
Competition Policy, and i ts combining activities to improve the business and investment 
environment, increasing employment rate in SMEs, updating the principal customs legislation to be 
following the EAEU Customs Codes.  
4.55.   We also praise the Russian Federation for the significant leg al changes that have occurred in 
many areas such as customs procedures and requirements, export duties and taxes, export support, 
public procurement, foreign investment, protection of intellectual property, mining and energy, 
financial services, and teleco mmunication services, promotion and diversification of non -energy 
exports.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.56.   Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation enjoy a friendly trade relationship supported by 
shared membership in the G20, and they are prominent trading partners. Trade exchange betwee n 
the two countries in 2020 grew by 95% than it was in 2016. The Saudi -Russian Business Council 
that was established in 2002 to reflect the two countries keener to further facilitate trade and joint 
economic exchange and cooperation remains very active in strengthen the economic ties and 
promote the investment opportunities between the two countries.  
4.57.   The Russian Federation as a G20 member and an active member of this Organization 
continues to play a central role in the reinforcement of the multilateral trad ing system. The Kingdom 
of Saudi Arabia appreciates the Russian Federation actively engagement in the WTO negotiations.  
4.58.   Before I conclude, I would like to thank H.E. Mr Dmitry Lyakishev , Ambassador and Permanent 
Representative of the Russian Federation to the WTO , and his distinguished team for the great 
cooperation between our two Missions which serves our mutual interests and thank them for their 
active engagement in all WTO activities.  
4.59.   To conclude, we wish the delegation of the Russian Federation a very successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
PHILIPPINES  
4.60.   At the outset, the Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by 
Brunei Darussalam recognizing Russia as one of ASEAN’s important trading partners.  
4.61.   The Philippine delegation warmly w elcomes and congratulates the Russian delegation led by 
Director Ekaterina Mayorova of the Ministry of Economic Development and Ambassador Dmitry 
Lyakishev of the Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the WTO on their second  Trade 
Policy Review. W e also thank Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Switzerland for his insightful 
comments as discussant, and the WTO Secretariat for a comprehensive report.  
4.62.   This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Philippines -Russia diplomatic relations. Since the 
establishm ent of our bilateral relationship in June 1976, we have reinvigorated our partnership 
through high -level visits and conclusion of more than 30 agreements in the areas of trade, defense, 
security, nuclear energy, higher education, agriculture, culture, and tourism.  
4.63.   While the Philippines’ bilateral ties with Russia have grown remarkably over the past few 
years, there is an enormous potential for further cooperation which was demonstrated in the 
opportunities presented by the current pandemic for the Philippin es and Russia to cooperate in the 
area of COVID -19 vaccines.  
4.64.   Furthermore, the Philippine -Russia bilateral relations have shifted from being defense -centric 
to more robust cooperation in trade and investments, culture, outer space, nuclear technology and 
energy, labor, and people -to-people ties.  
4.65.   Russia is an important trading partner of the Philippines. In 2020, Russia ranked as the 
Philippines’ 20th trading partner with total bilateral trade valued at US D 901 million. Among the top 
commodity exports of the  Philippine to Russia include desiccated coconuts, semiconductor devices, 
and carrageenan. While among the top imports of the Philippines from Russia include semi -finished 
products of iron or non -alloy steel, petroleum oils, and other wheat and meslin.  
4.66.   The establishment of the Philippines -Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic 
Cooperation (JCTEC) in November 2015 opened more opportunities for cooperation as the Philippine 
and Russian products are now more accessible in the respective mainstream marke ts of the two 
countries. The JCTEC serves as an overarching framework to facilitate and promote trade and 
economic cooperation between our two countries.  
4.67.   Russia 's accession to the WTO in August 2012 marked a landmark in its integration into the 
multilatera l trading system. As one of the world’s biggest producers of oil, gas, and electricity, it has 
continued to prioritize the diversification of its economy away from its abundant gas and oil 
resources. Moreover, since the last Review in 2016, significant leg al changes have occurred, 
including in the areas of customs procedures and requirements, export duties and taxes, export WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  support, public procurement, foreign investment, competition, protection of intellectual property, 
mining and energy, financial service s, and telecommunications services.  
4.68.   According to the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" rating in 2020, Russia ranked 28th 
among 190 economies in terms of ease of doing business, which is an improvement from its previous 
rating position in 2016 where it ranked 51st out of 189 economies.  
4.69.   The Philippines acknowledges Russia’s strong support and commitment to an open, non -
discriminatory, and transparent rules -based multilateral trading system, and its regard to the critical 
role of the WTO in ensuring a stable and predictable international t rading environment. It actively 
participates in preparing the MC12 outcomes by engaging in various WTO negotiations, including 
the WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, and agriculture. It also supports the flexible multilateralism 
approach by actively particip ating in the various negotiations under the Joint Statement Initiatives, 
namely, electronic commerce, investment facilitation for development, domestic regulation in 
services, and MSMEs. It also supported the Buenos Aires Joint Declaration on Trade and Wom en’s 
Economic Empowerment and is a participant of the WTO Informal Working Group on Gender.  
4.70.   The Philippines has submitted advance written questions on the TPR reports and we thank 
the delegation of Russia for their prompt replies.  
4.71.   In closing, the Philippin es looks forward to further enhancing the mutually beneficial economic 
relations with Russia in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral for um.  
AUSTRALIA   
4.72.   Australia welcomes the opportunity to participate in the Russian Federation’s second Trade 
Policy R eview. This review process is an important step in Russia’s enhanced integration into the 
global economy and the multilateral rules -based trading system.  
4.73.   We welcome Russia 's strong engagement in the work of the WTO, particularly as we strive 
towards succe ssful outcomes at MC12. Given the importance of agricultural trade reform to global 
food markets, Russian leadership in support of an MC12 outcome would strengthen prospects. In 
the fisheries subsidies negotiations, noting the urgency to conclude, we encou rage Russia to focus 
its efforts on fostering compromise.  
4.74.   We appreciate Russia 's active participation in the Joint Statement Initiatives on services 
domestic regulation, e -commerce, and investment facilitation for development. We hope Russia will 
be able t o join the expected outcome on services domestic regulation at MC12 and, to that end, 
encourage it to submit its pre -finalization schedule as soon as possible.  
4.75.   During the review period, Russia commenced negotiations on its accession to the Government 
Procurement Agreement, tabling its initial market access offer in June 2017. We welcome Russia’s 
continued serious engagement in and commitment to acceding to that Agreement.  
4.76.   Australia places high priority on transparency and notification obligations at the W TO and we 
would encourage Russia to comply fully and promptly with its notification obligations across the WTO 
agreements.  
4.77.   We encourage Russia to ensure its trade measures are consistent with international standards 
and guidelines, and that administrative requirements are streamlined where possible. In particular, 
harmonising – and clarifying – regulatory requirements for imported foods and improving border 
inspection and clearance systems for imports to Russia would lower costs for importers and, in turn, 
domestic consumers.  
4.78.   Growing bilateral trade with Australia in the mining equipment, technology and services sector 
is supporting modernisation and enhancing the productivity of Russia 's economy. Australia looks 
forward to future growth in trade in these a reas. 
4.79.   The challenges faced by the Russian economy, including its continued dependency on 
hydrocarbon export prices, underline the importance of pursuing growth strategies that support a 
flexible, versatile, and resilient economy. As the World Bank has high lighted, structural issues with WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  respect to productivity and diversification have contributed to limits in the rate of Russia’s potential 
economic growth.  
4.80.   We note that the entry into force of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) on 
1 January 20 15 has meant that trade policy formation in Russia involves both EAEU and national 
institutions and legislation. Australian wine exporters are keen to see progress that would allow 
harmonisation between relevant EAEU technical regulations and Russia’s corr esponding technical 
laws. 
4.81.   Australia has submitted a number of written questions for this Review. We look forward to 
Russia’s response to these questions.  
MÉXICO  
4.82.   México da la más cordial bienvenida a la delegación de la Federación de Rusia, encabezada 
por la Sra . Ekaterina Mayorova, Directora del Departamento de Negociaciones Comerciales del 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico. Asimismo, mi Delegación agradece al Embajador Didier 
Chambovey por su puntual análisis y a la Secretaría de la OMC po r la elaboración de su informe.  
4.83.   Asimismo, quiero aprovechar la oportunidad para reconocer la labor activa y constructiva de 
la Misión de Rusia en los trabajos de la OMC, encabezada por el Emb ajador  Lyakishev. México 
continuará colaborando con Rusia en las diferentes actividades que nos unen en pro del 
fortalecimiento del Sistema Multilateral del Comercio.  
4.84.   Cabe iniciar destacando que el a ño pasado, M éxico y Rusia celebramos 130 a ños de relaciones 
diplom áticas, y hace unos meses, nuestros Ministros de Re laciones Exteriores reafirmaron la relación 
que se lleva a cabo en muy diversos ámbitos entre nuestros países  
4.85.   En relación al desempeño de su economía, sobresale que de 2016 a 2018, su PIB había 
mostrado una aceleración, cuando pasó de 0 ,2% a casi 3%. Sin e mbargo, como gran parte del 
mundo, Rusia también se vio afectada por un entorno económico global inestable, que resultó en un 
decrecimiento de -2% en 2019, el cual se acentuó por los efectos de la pandemia decreciendo -3% 
en 2020. Sin embargo, las proyecci ones para este año la ubican en una recuperación cercana al 5%.  
4.86.   Por otra parte, mi delegaci ón reconoce los avances de Rusia en sus planes de acción anuales 
encaminados a simplificar las formalidades y procedimientos aduaneros. Estos esfuerzos se han 
tradu cido en una mejora importante en el índice de Comercio Transfronterizo del Informe Doing 
Business, donde pasó del lugar 170 al 99 durante el periodo de Examen. Esperamos que estos 
esfuerzos también se reafirmen en la implementación del sistema de ventanill a única nacional.  
4.87.   De la misma manera, es destacable el establecimiento de medidas encaminadas al desarrollo 
del comercio electrónico en Rusia, tales como la implementación de la Ley de Protección de 
Consumidores en Línea, y diversas disposiciones en materi a de privacidad de datos y firmas 
electrónicas. Esto ha tenido repercusiones importantes en un incremento considerable en la cifra de 
negocios en el sector del comercio electrónico.  
4.88.   De igual forma, México da la bienvenida a la introducción de un mecanismo  de simplificaci ón 
normativa ( "regulatory guillotine ") para actualizar los instrumentos reglamentarios sectoriales y usar 
principios basados en el riesgo. Así mismo, reconoce los esfuerzos de Rusia por mejorar su entorno 
reglamentario teniendo en cuenta l os intereses de las mipymes.  Esto se refleja al someter a examen 
todos los actos jur ídicos normativos para evaluar un posible impacto sobre las mipymes, y brindando 
a la mipymes la oportunidad de contribuir al proceso de elaboraci ón de normas, entre otra s cosas 
mediante la presentaci ón de observaciones sobre las leyes y los reglamentos nuevos o revisados.  
4.89.   Igualmente, queremos destacar los avances de Rusia en la promoción del empoderamiento 
de la mujer mediante la aplicación de la Estrategia Nacional de Acción en Favor de la Mujer 
2017-2022.  
4.90.   Por otra parte, derivado del Informe de la Secretaría, podemos desprender varias áreas de 
oportunidad de mejora en las políticas comerciales de Rusia, entre otras:  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.91.   A pesar de que el n úmero de empresas p úblicas ha  disminuido recientemente, el informe 
"Russian Federation: Selected Issues, IMF Country Report " del FMI publicado en 2018 señala que 
"el tama ño del Estado ruso tiene un efecto significativo en la competencia y la eficiencia econ ómica, 
lo cual pone de man ifiesto la importancia de la implementación de pol íticas favorables a la 
competencia ".En este sentido, alentamos a Rusia a presentar sus notificaciones pendientes sobre 
Empresas Comerciales del Estado y a continuar sus esfuerzos en la promoción de la dive rsificación 
económica y la igualdad de condiciones para el sector privado  
4.92.   El grado de restricci ón a la IED sigue siendo relativamente elevado e inclusive ha aumentado 
desde el 2016, principalmente por aquellas medidas destinadas al control y aprobación de inversión 
extranjera, así como las restricciones al capital extranjero en sectores como: el trans porte, los 
medios de comunicaci ón y los servicios financieros.  
4.93.   El nivel de concentraci ón del sector bancario y el papel de los bancos de propiedad estatal 
sigue siendo elevado.  
4.94.   A pesar de no haber otorgado subvenciones a la exportación de productos agrí colas durante 
el periodo objeto de examen, persisten preocupaciones por parte de algunos Miembros respecto al 
otorgamiento de ayuda a través del Centro de Exportaci ón de Rusia, las cuales podría contravenir 
los compromisos de Rusia en esta materia.  
4.95.   Para c oncluir, me permito desearle a la delegación de Rusia que tenga un exitoso Examen de 
su política comercial y que la deliberación en curso le sea productiva y útil en la inacabable labor de 
perfeccionarla. Asimismo, le deseo a los funcionarios que hoy nos a compañan, que tengan un retorno 
a capital sin contratiempos.  
ISRAEL  
4.96.   Israel would like to thank you, the Discussant H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey (Switzerland), 
Russia, and the Secretariat for the detailed reports. Israel also welcomes Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, 
Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development as the Head of 
Delegation. Israel and Russia have maintained significantly close relations extending beyond trade 
for many years. Our ties have extended beyond economic and tr ade relationships. To demonstrate 
how interlinked our countries are it is sufficient to mention that a large proportion of the population 
of Israel speaks the Russian language natively, d ue to the immigration of many families to Israel in 
previous decades.  
4.97.   It is no secret that for many years, there has been strong bilateral interest in fostering growth 
and expanding the economic ties between our countries. On the bilateral front, we set up in 1994 
the Joint Russian -Israeli Commission on Trade and Economic C ooperation, which remains a vital part 
of our collaboration up to this day. A Free Trade Agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union 
and its Member States and Israel is under negotiations, and we hope for a successful conclusion in 
the near future.  
4.98.   In line with recent global developments including the COVID -19 pandemic and the drop in 
petroleum prices, trade in goods between Russia and Israel in 2020 declined by 30%, while in the 
first half of 2021, it grew by 50% year -on-year. 
4.99.   Russia 's leading goods expo rts to Israel include minerals and refined petroleum, precious 
stones and metals and agricultural products, while Israel's exports to Russia are dominated by 
agricultural products, machinery and electrical equipment, and chemicals.  
4.100.   As we notice from the Re port, the Russian Federation has witnessed a positive effect on 
productivity growth, quality of jobs, and poverty reduction through its better integration in global 
value chains. Therefore, Israel expects this positive trend to continue as Russia enhances its 
commitment to international trade and the world economy.  
4.101.   At the WTO, Israel sees Russia as an essential player in the MTS. In e -commerce, for 
example, Israel is encouraged by Russia's participation in the JSI, an area where international 
cooperation is  essential in our view. It is also worth noting that we are looking forward to Russia's 
accession to the GPA to fulfil its accession protocol. We have engaged with Russia in its previous WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  market access offer, and we look forward to improvements to it, comme nsurate to the offers of 
other GPA parties. We stand ready to assist Russia through this process if necessary.  
4.102.   During this exercise, Israel submitted questions to the Russian Federation, and we look 
forward to reviewing the replies in due course. The area s of interest for Israel include tariffs in both 
industrial and agricultural goods, government procurement, border policies, and the Eurasian 
Economic Union.  
4.103.   As we are nearing MC12, Israel looks forward to Russia 's contributions and constructive role 
towards a successful Ministerial.  
4.104.   Finally, Israel looks forward to continuing our close collaboration with the Russian delegation 
headed by Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev.  Israel wishes the Russian Federation a very successful 
Trade Policy Review . 
UNITED  STATES  
4.105.   I would like to join others in welcoming H.E. M Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the 
Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development ; and her distinguished 
delegation from Moscow for Russia's second Trade Policy Review.  
4.106.   Russia has been a WTO Member for nearly a decade.  In that time, Russia has taken some 
steps to advance the principles and goals of the WTO: it has implemented its WTO tariff reductions; 
its customs procedures have improved; and it has reduced some export duties. In addition, as 
reflected in the Secretari at report, the Government of Russia says that it supports the WTO, the 
multilateral trading system, and increased competition.  
4.107.   However, actions speak louder than words, and Russia's actions reflect an economy moving 
away from the core tenets of the WTO: no n-discrimination; predictability; transparency; and fair 
competition.  
4.108.   Rather, it appears that Russia's industrial policy is driven by the guiding principle of import 
substitution and forced localization. For example, in 2021 alone, Russia has issued over a  dozen 
"Actions Plans" with important substitution goals, Russia has mandated preferential prices for many 
domestic products and services; established minimum quotas for purchases of certain domestic 
products; directed state -owned companies to buy domestic  software; barred foreign suppliers from 
participating in certain tenders; forbidden companies from purchasing any imports in certain sectors; 
and offered subsidies to domestic producers that use domestic content or meet export requirements 
across a range of industries and consistently increasing the local content required to meet the 
definition of "Made in Russia"; by requiring IT companies to establish a legal presence in Russia; 
and by requiring companies to store certain data in Russia. The result is di scriminatory regime with 
little fair competition.  
4.109.   Russia has not accepted the related principles of transparency and predictability. As the 
Secretariat Report notes, Russia has refused to provide numerous required notifications under the 
Agreement on Agric ulture, The Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures and regarding State 
Trading Enterprises. But even for those measures Russia did notify, many were not notified with the 
standard 60 -day comment period. In addition, the United Stated has submitted writte n questions 
about some of Russia's import substitution measures, but Russia has, to date, refused to respond. 
Russia has also failed to bring the promised transparency and accountability to its system of 
collective management for the collection and distrib ution of copyright royalties. Transparency is a 
core principle of the WTO and a critical requirement for an efficient economy. Without it, the result 
is an impenetrable and unfair system where any supposed requirement can be imposed because no 
one really k nows what the rules are.  
4.110.   A non -transparent system, like Russia's system, creates an environment of unpredictability 
because economic players don't know the rules of the road. The WTO Agreement, by contrast, 
promotes predictability, for instance, through th e use of international standards, and the prohibition 
against regulations that present unnecessary obstacles to trade. Russia maintains certain SPS 
measures that are nor consistent with international standards and has yet to provide WTO Members 
with scient ific evidence to support how these measures protect human, animal, or plant life or health. WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  The introduction of the mandatory labelling law, or "Track and Trace" regime, created significant 
confusion and border disruptions because the infrastructure wasn't  yet in place. And now Russia has 
introduced a "Traceability Regime" that appears to pursue the same goals, with no clear explanation 
as to the difference between the two regimes.  
4.111.   Finally, as Ambassador Tai noted in her recent speech to the Graduate Instit ute's Geneva 
Trade Platform, the WTO can be a force for good and trade should raise living standards. Russia's 
accession to the WTO and, more importantly, its adoption of WTO norms, could have been the 
catalyst for Russia to diversify and reform its econom y. Indeed, when the United States welcomed 
Russia into the WTO nine years ago, we had great hopes. Hopes that Russia would contribute to the 
global trading system, distributing its unique goods and services around the world and opening its 
market to import s and investment.  
4.112.   Unfortunately, Russia seems to be turning inwards, closing its borders and building walls to 
keep global trade out. We believe this approach hurts workers, farmers, exporters and investors in 
Russia, the United Stated, and around the worl d. We urge Russia to choose a different path – the 
path that it promised to embrace a decade ago, founded in the core tenets of the WTO: 
non-discrimination; predictability; transparency; and fair competition.  
CANADA  
4.113.   Canada joins others in welcoming Ms Ekat erina Mayorova and the delegation of Russia to its 
Trade Policy Review. Canada is pleased to be participating in this important discussion.  
4.114.   Since its accession to WTO in 2012, Russia has made efforts to further integrate its economy 
with international trad e networks. Canada welcomes the work Russia has undertaken to meet its 
WTO obligations. However, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight a couple of areas where 
improvements would be of particular interest to Canada: state involvement in the eco nomy and 
efforts to address corruption and improve the business environment.  
4.115.   First, the state continues to be heavily involved in the Russian economy, and has a dominant 
position in key sectors including transport and energy. Banking remains dominated by state-owned 
financial institutions, which control the bulk of assets and deposits. While we applaud Russia’s 
reforms to the corporate governance of its state enterprises, there remain serious issues including 
a lack of transparency and the different rules that apply to state corporations. We welcome the 
July 2020 announcement to reduce the number of state -owned enterprises and encourage Russia to 
also decrease the total market capitalization and assets of such firms. Ensuring fair competition will 
improve r esource allocation, promote better quality products at lower prices and increase consumer 
welfare.  
4.116.   I also echo the recommendations of the IMF 's 2020 World Economic Outlook when I say that 
boosting potential economic growth in Russia will involve a concerted effort to address the 
disproportionate effect of the state in its economy, including through greater competition, lower 
administrative barriers and regulation, and stronger governance.  
4.117.   Implementation of these measures would also seek to address m y second point, which is 
corruption and the environment for doing business. Foreign investment into Russia has been 
hampered by a variety of concerns. In addition to regulatory barriers, foreign business people worry 
about a lack of transparency, the preva lence of insider deals, the threat of organised crime and 
difficulties with getting redress in courts. They also complain that the success of their projects 
depends heavily on relations with regional and local authorities. Corruption remains a major 
obstac le, in public institutions as well as in private business.  
4.118.   Russia 's concurrent engagement of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), beginning in 2015, 
appears to have sometimes strengthened and sometimes weakened its pursuit of fulfilling its WTO 
obligations . Upon joining the EAEU, Russia nominally transferred authority over many aspects of its 
foreign trade regime to the EAEU. As a result, many of Russia 's WTO commitments are implemented 
through EAEU measures. As an example, Russia has sought to implement br oader enforcement of 
intellectual property rights. However, the country has yet to harmonize fully its intellectual property 
regime with the regulatory principles adopted under the EAEU.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.119.   It is our view that when international trade objectives are pursued inconsistently across 
competing organizations, these may further risk damaging a country 's economy and undermine the 
multilateral trading system which benefits Russia. Canada continues to encourage Russia to adopt a 
free, fair, non -discriminatory, transpar ent, predictable, and stable trade environment based on the 
rule of law.  
4.120.   Within the WTO, Canada welcomes Russia 's participation in the joint statement initiatives on 
services domestic regulation, electronic commerce, and investment facilitation, as well a s in the 
context of the Buenos Aires Declaration on Women and Trade. On the JSI on services domestic 
regulations, Canada trust Russia will be submitting a draft schedule before 29 October to further 
demonstrate its commitment to the initiative. Furthermore , Canada appreciates Russia 's solid 
notification record, but does note a shortfall regarding state trading enterprises. We are also grateful 
for Russia 's active and constructive participation in the MSME Working Group.  
4.121.   In the context of the impasse at the Appellate Body, we encourage Russia to consider joining 
the Multi -Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement as soon as possible to ensure binding dispute 
settlement with access to appellate review in its disputes with other participants. Moreover, we 
encourage Russia to make progress on its negotiations to accede to the GPA.  
4.122.   Canada has prepared a set of questions touching on some of themes previously mentioned, 
including coherence between EAEU regulations and WTO rules, particularly in the spheres of SP S 
and TBT, as well as other issues such as government procurement and government support for 
agriculture. Canada thanks Russia for its responses and wishes Russia a successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.123.   Señora Ekaterina Mayorova, Directora del departa mento de negociaciones comerciales del 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico;  Embajador Dmitry Lyakishev, Representante Permanente de la 
Federación Rusa ante la OMC;  Distinguidos miembros de la delegación de la Federación rusa y de la 
Misión Permanente en Gin ebra;  Embajador Didier Chambovey, Representante Permanente de Suiza 
ante la OMC, Relator de este Examen de Política Comercial;  Embajadora Athaliah Molokomme, 
Presidente del Órgano de Exámenes de Política Comercial;  Estimados colegas . La Misión Permanente 
de Costa Rica ante la OMC se complace en participar en este segundo Examen de Política Comercial 
de la Federación Rusa y agradece la oportunidad de hacer algunas reflexiones en torno a los Informes 
presentados y al contexto en el que se llevó a cabo esta ev aluación.  
4.124.   Reconocemos el esfuerzo realizado por la Federación Rusa durante el período evaluado para 
mantener la estabilidad macroeconómica y los mecanismos para adaptarse a los retos de la 
cambiante economía global, mediante la diversificación económica, l a participación en cadenas 
globales de valor y la consecuente creación de empleos y reducción de la pobreza. También nos 
complace ver las acciones para empoderar y fortalecer a las MiPymes y mejorar su productividad y 
hacerlas más competitivas.  
4.125.   El impacto de la pandemia del COVID -19 no escapó a la economía rusa, como lo refleja la 
contracción del 3% en su economía para el año 2020. Esto ha impactado considerablemente los 
niveles de desempleo, y si bien el gobierno ha implementado una serie de medidas para c ontrarrestar 
estos desafíos, la dependencia en el uso y producción de hidrocarburos continúa siendo un reto para 
la transformación de la economía rusa.  
4.126.   En este proceso de transformación, felicitamos la participación de la Federación Rusa en las 
distintas i niciativas conjuntas, pues demuestra el claro interés del gobierno en avanzar la discusión 
de temas de importancia para los Miembros, acordes con la realidad de nuestros tiempos. También 
damos la bienvenida al enfoque de la Federación Rusa contribuyendo co nstructivamente a la 
discusión sobre reforma de la OMC y a la necesidad de fortalecer la función del Órgano de Apelación.  
4.127.   Costa Rica reconoce el papel activo de la Federación Rusa en las negociaciones agrícolas, 
especialmente en el área de ayudas internas.  Costa Rica comparte muchos de los conceptos 
esbozados por Rusia en sus propuestas, y se encuentra en plena disposición para trabajar de manera 
conjunta con Rusia en el diseño de modalidades en este pilar.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.128.   Costa Rica sigue con atención el desarrollo del s istema regulatorio sanitario y fitosanitario 
ruso, así como las diversas políticas que se notifican en el contexto del Comité sobre Obstáculos 
Técnicos al Comercio. Sobre estos temas, instamos a Rusia a seguir trabajando con los Miembros 
en aras de asegura r que la implementación de medidas no arancelarias tenga el menor impacto 
posible sobre el comercio, en especial en lo referente a productos agropecuarios.  
4.129.   En materia de transparencia, agradecemos la consistencia con la que la Federación Rusa 
lleva a cabo  sus consultas anuales en materia de asignación de contingentes arancelarios 
consolidados en la OMC. Por otro lado, instamos a Rusia a notificar cuanto antes sus Empresas 
Comerciales del Estado en el Grupo de Trabajo respectivo, un tema que lleva ya muchos  años sin 
avances.  
4.130.   Asimismo, Costa Rica, como co -coordinador de las Discusiones Estructuradas en Comercio 
y Sostenibilidad Ambiental, agradece la participación de la Federación Rusa en las sesiones que se 
han llevado a cabo a lo largo del año, y felicita su reciente incorporación al Diálogo Informal sobre 
Plásticos y Comercio de Plásticos Sostenible. Es este sentido, instamos al Miembro evaluado a 
continuar siendo parte de las discusiones relacionadas con sostenibilidad y comercio y a evaluar las 
oportunid ades de la transición a una economía más verde, al uso de tecnologías limpias, a la 
reducción progresiva de emisiones, llevando de la mano las agendas de comercio y ambiente.  
4.131.   Mi delegación presentó una serie de preguntas, las cuáles han sido oportunamente 
respondidas. Agradecemos a la Federación Rusa por las respuestas, las cuáles han sido enviadas a 
mi capital para su análisis.  
4.132.   Concluyo esta intervención agradeciendo al Relator, Embajador Chambovey , por sus 
oportunas reflexiones, a la Secretaría por su acostumbrado trabajo de excelencia y deseándole a la 
Federación Rusa un exitoso segundo  Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
INDIA  
4.133.   At the outset, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to the delegati on of the Russian 
Federation led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations for the 
2nd Trade Policy Review. Warm welcome also to the Russian delegation to the WTO in Geneva led 
by Ambassador Dmitry and his able team. My del egation would like to commend the Government of 
the Russian Federation and the WTO secretariat for their comprehensive reports and would also 
thank the discussant Ambassador Chambovey of Switzerland for his insightful remarks.  
4.134.   We note from the Secretariat 's report the challenging economic environment faced by the 
Russian Federation during the review period and the structural reforms and policy initiatives taken 
by the Government of Russia to address the structural issues. We further note the many changes 
brought about by the Russian Government during the Review period to the domestic legal 
frameworks in areas like customs procedures, export duties and taxes, public procurement, foreign 
investment, competition, protection of intellectual property, energy, fin ancial and 
telecommunications services. We appreciate the positive changes in Russia 's economic, trade and 
investment policies and hope that they will help put Russia on a sustained positive growth trajectory.  
4.135.   We have noted the negative impact of the COVID -19 pandemic on the Russian economy in 
2020. However, we are pleased to note that the sound macroeconomic stabilization policies and 
accumulated buffers have enabled the Russian Federation to manage the impact of these adverse 
shocks. We thank the Governme nt of Russian Federation for its support to India during the COVID -19 
pandemic with COVID -19 medical supplies. India is also partnering with Russia for production of 
Russian developed COVID -19 vaccine.  
4.136.   Chair, India and the Russian Federation share multifac eted and long -standing ties rooted in 
history. Our relationship has been time -tested , in recent years India -Russia ties have acquired a 
qualitatively new character with enhanced cooperation in almost all areas of the bilateral relationship 
including econom ic, trade and investment. The bilateral goods trade continues to remain below 
potential at around U SD 8 billion, which does not reflect the true scale of our bilateral partnership. 
However, it has been on an upward trajectory since 2017 and we hope that th is positive momentum 
will be maintained. Investment relations have also continued to expand, with Russian investment in 
India at US D 18 billion and India’s investment in Russia being US D 13 billion. Intensifying the trade WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  and economic relations has been id entified as a priority area by our leaders with targets set for 
increasing bilateral investments to US D 50 billion and bilateral trade to US D 30 billion by 2025.  
4.137.   Both countries are working closely to expand our bilateral trade and investment ties. We had 
submitted a number of questions to the Russian Federation for this TPR, including on some of our 
concerns, which if addressed, could further unlock our trade potential. We thank the Russian 
delegation for the replies provided and our capital will be carefu lly reviewing the responses.  
4.138.   India and Russia work closely in forums like the BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, 
G-20 and are engaged on a range of diverse issues such as global governance, poverty alleviation 
and sustainable development. We appreci ate Russia 's strong support to the multilateral trading 
system under the WTO and its advocacy for a stable and predictable international trading 
environment. We look forward to continuing our work together with our Russian colleagues, both 
bilaterally and here at the WTO to further expanding our trade and investment ties for mutual 
benefit. We wish our friends from the Russian Federation a productive and successful T rade Policy 
Review . 
JAPAN  
4.139.   In this 10th anniversary year of the Russian Federation 's accessio n to the WTO, Japan 
welcomes the Delegation of the Russian Federation led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the 
Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development, to today 's Trade Policy 
Review. We sincerely appreciate the reports prep ared by the WTO Secretariat and the Government 
of the Russian Federation, which form the basis for our discussion today. Our delegation also offers 
its appreciation to the Discussant, H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey of Switzerland, for his insightful 
remarks.  
4.140.   Despite the fact that Russia 's economic growth has been declining due to challenges caused 
by structural issues with respect to productivity and economic diversification, we recognize that the 
Russian Federation has made great efforts to improve its legal system since the previous TPR. We 
look forward to Russia’s continued efforts to build a prosperous country, benefitting from the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.141.   Japan is working to strengthen its economic cooperation with the Russian Federation in a 
mutually beneficial manner. We have some projects that are underway in the areas of resource 
development and cooperation in the Far East region. Despite the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, 
the amount of trade between our two countries increased by about 17% in the  first half of this year, 
compared to the same period last year.  
4.142.   Japan appreciates the active participation of the Russian Federation in the WTO, including 
cooperation with Japan in the Joint Statement Initiatives. Japan attaches importance to ensuring 
transparency, as a significant factor, relevant to all WTO reforms. Therefore, we would like to invite 
the Russian Federation to steadily implement its notification obligations in the WTO.  
4.143.   On this occasion, we would like to take up some specific issues.  
4.144.   First, on trade and investment facilitation. Japan welcomes the Russian Federation 's efforts 
to facilitate investment and trade, including the approval of a new Federal Law to protect and 
encourage investment, introducing the Capital Investment Promotion and Pr otection Agreements in 
2020. Japan also acknowledges the ongoing work on the development of a national single window 
under the EAEU Customs Code. On the other hand, we see that there is still much room for 
improvement. As the Secretariat’s report points ou t, there remain significant barriers in trade and 
investment procedure to starting a business and investing in Russia.  
4.145.   Second, on the localization of production in the industrial sector. Japan values the Russian 
Federation 's contribution to maintaining and  strengthening the multilateral trading system in general 
terms. Nevertheless, we are concerned about the radical localization of production in the industrial 
sector in order to enhance domestic production capacity and promote technology transfer. This 
includes the national policy that requires the use of locally produced products for companies to 
operate in the country and avail of various preferential systems. This situation has created an 
undesirable business environment for foreign companies, as it make s it difficult for them to avail of WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  such systems. Japan requests the Russian Federation to ensure an open and predictable business 
environment, in order to enable foreign companies, which are also contributing to the Russian 
economy, to operate on an equal  footing.  
4.146.   We also have a concern on the services sector. The Merchant Shipping Code of the Russian 
Federation, with some exceptions, stipulates an obligation to use vessels with Russian nationality 
when transporting resources. This obligation could have an  adverse impact on the operation of 
foreign companies engaging in natural resource trade with Russia. We are further concerned about 
media reports on a draft government ordinance that obligates the use of vessels constructed in the 
Russian Federation when transporting resources produced in the country.  
4.147.   In conclusion, Japan appreciates the efforts made by the Russian Federation since the last 
meeting to improve its trade and investment environment and will support its continued 
improvement. We wish the deleg ation of the Russian Federation a fruitful Trade Policy Review.  
KYRGYZ  REPUBLIC  
4.148.   Kyrgyz Republic warmly welcomes the delegation of the Russian Federation led by the 
Director of the Trade Negotiations Department of the Ministry of Economy H .E. Madam Ekaterin a 
Mayorova and His Excellency Ambassador Mr Dmitri Lyakishev.  
4.149.   We would like to express our gratitude to the WTO Secretariat and Government of the 
Russian Federation for providing such Comprehensive Reports of the Trade Policy Review. We would 
also like to thank the Discussant, H .E. Mr Didier Chambovey  of Switzerland for his insightful 
comments.  
4.150.   Since the beginning of its membership to WTO in 2012, the Russian Federation has 
demonstrated its highest of dedications to the WTO law and has continuously shown it s commitment 
to trade liberalization under the multilateral trading system centered on the WTO.  
4.151.   Due to the historical and cultural commonalities between the peoples of the Kyrgyz Republic 
and the Russian Federation, the traditional ties of friendship, comm on interests in not only trade 
and economic, but also in the political and cultural and humanitarian fields, cooperation with the 
Russian Federation is of a particular importance for the Kyrgyz Republic.  
4.152.   Relationship with Russia occupies a special place in  our history, which is counted back from 
the 18th century, when the Kyrgyz first sent its ambassadors to Russia, and from that moment, the 
first steps were taken towards building political and economic cooperation between our countries 
and expanding mutual  trade.  
4.153.   For seventy  years we have lived as part of one state, invariably supporting each other in 
difficult times of our historical path. After the collapse of the USSR, powerful forces of gravity 
between Kyrgyzstan and Russia dictated the need to build bi lateral relations on a new interstate 
basis including in the areas of economic and trade cooperation.  
4.154.   The Kyrgyz Republic share with Russia harmonized positions on a wide range of issues at 
the international platforms. Bishkek and Moscow interact within th e framework of the EAEU, CIS, 
CSTO and SCO. Each positive step towards strengthening interaction gives even higher dynamics 
and effectiveness to the Kyrgyz -Russian relations.  
4.155.   On August 12, 2015, the Treaty on the accession of the Kyrgyz Republic to the Eur asian 
Economic Union (EAEU) entered into force, and Kyrgyzstan became a full member of the Union along 
with Russia, Armenia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, which brought relations the Union members to a 
qualitatively new level of economic and trade partnership t o meet the long -term national interests.  
4.156.   Joining the EAEU opened new prospects for boosting our trade and investment cooperation 
with the Russian Federation. Barriers to the movement of goods, services, capital and labor were 
removed. New investment opport unities and prospects for the implementation of large infrastructure 
projects opened up primarily in the fields of energy, transport and agriculture. Citizens of Kyrgyzstan 
received the right to work in Russia on the same conditions as Russian citizens the mselves.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.157.   Another priority area of the Kyrgyz -Russian interaction is the expansion and development of 
trade and economic cooperation, which implemented in the line of the Kyrgyz -Russian 
Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian 
Cooperation. Within the framework of the meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the 
parties work out and discuss most important issues of bilateral cooperation between the two 
countries, as well as promising areas for further intens ification of the interaction in such areas as 
trade, investment, education, culture, energy, industry, healthcare, tourism, agriculture, 
interregional cooperation, oil, and gas industry. At the intergovernmental level, the Economic 
Cooperation Program for 2018-2021 was adopted, which includes specific measures to expand 
economic cooperation between our countries.  
4.158.   Separate events are held in the format of exhibitions and fairs to attract investments to the 
Kyrgyz Republic and export promotion from the Kyrgyz  Republic to the Russian markets, where 
investment and export potential, and as well as the tourism potential of Kyrgyzstan are 
systematically presented.  
4.159.   The major export items from the Kyrgyz Republic to the Russian Federation are clothing and 
its accesso ries; foodstuffs and agricultural raw materials (vegetables and fruits, dairy products, 
tobacco); electrical equipment, various spare parts (including incandescent lamps, radiator; oil 
products; cotton fiber; scrap and waste metals).  
4.160.   The main imports from the Russian Federation to the Kyrgyz Republic are chemical products 
(pharmaceuticals, plastics, rubber and their products, soap and detergents, perfume, cosmetic, 
organic, inorganic chemical substances, etc.); petroleum products; food products and agricult ural 
raw materials; ferrous metals and products from them; wood and wood products; mechanical 
engineering products (equipment and mechanical devices, electrical equipment, ground vehicles and 
their parts, various devices); paper and cardboard.  
4.161.   In January -October 2021, trade between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Russian Federation 
amounted to USD 1 ,338 million , the same period of 2020 (USD 1 ,061.3 million, incl uding  exports of 
USD 251 million (in 2020 USD 170 million), imports from the Russian Federation USD  1,087 million 
(in 2020  USD 891 millio n). The increase in the rate of bilateral trade in the reporting period was 
26% compared to the same period in 2020.  
4.162.   In January -June 2021 , FDI inflows from the Russian Federation to the Kyrgyz Republic 
increased and amou nted to USD 27.4 million (the same period of 2020 USD 9.0 million). Analysis of 
the overall dynamics of FDI from Russia shows uneven dynamics, a significant increase in direct 
investment inflows was recorded in 2015, which accounted for the largest volume,  amounting to 
USD 515,5 million.  
4.163.   The issue of remittances from Russia remains important for the socioeconomic situation. 
According to the National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic, the volume of remittances from the Russian 
Federation to the Kyrgyz Republic in January -June 2021 amounted to about USD 1 ,224 million. 
Comparing to the same period in 2020 it increased by 28.2%.  
4.164.   Taking this opportunity, the Kyrgyz Republic wishes a very successful Trade Policy Review 
to the delegation of the Russian Federation.  
VIET  NAM 
4.165.   Viet Nam would like to join other Members in warmly welcoming the delegation of the 
Russian Federation led by Ms. Ekaterina Mayorova , Director of the Department for Trade 
Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development to its second  Trade Policy Review. Viet Nam is 
thankful for the efforts t hat the Government of the Russian Federation and the WTO Secretariat have 
put into the reports. We would also like to express our gratitude to the discussant, H.E. Mr Didier 
Chambovey of Switzerland for his invaluable insights.  
4.166.   Viet Nam associates itself w ith the joint ASEAN statement to be delivered by Brunei 
Darussalam.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.167.   Viet Nam acknowledges that the Russian Federation continues to strongly support the 
multilateral trading system as embodied in the WTO and regards the WTO as critical to ensuring a 
stable and predictable international trading environment. As also stated in the WTO Secretariat’s 
report, the Russian Federation maintained a stable macroeconomy due to its prudent policies and 
managed to mitigate the impact of declining and volatile oil prices a s well as other external 
developments during the review period. Furthermore, Viet Nam recognizes the reforms that the 
Russian Federation undertook with regard to concluding several regional trade agreements, as well 
as facilitating the business environment .  
4.168.   Viet Nam has become a comprehensive strategic partner of the Russian Federation since 
2012. Our bilateral trade relationship with the Russian Federation is positive, with the two -way trade 
volume reaching USD 4.85 billion in 2020, a surge of 8.04% compa red to 2019. In the first eight 
months of 2021, the total trade volume between the two countries was USD 3.46 billion, of which 
Viet Nam exported  USD 2.16 billion of goods to Russia and imported USD 1.3 billion of goods from 
Russia.  
4.169.   Viet Nam is also the fi rst FTA partner of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) which Russia 
plays the key role. The two -way trade volume between Viet Nam and EAEU members in 2016 
reached  USD 3.04 billion, a remarkable increase of 23% compared to 2015 when the FTA was yet 
to become  effective. Between 2017 and 2019, the two -way trade volume between Viet Nam and the 
EAEU continued to maintain a stable annual growth of over 25%. In 2020, despite being affected by 
the Covid -19 pandemic , two-way trade between Viet Nam and EAEU still obse rved an upward trend 
of nearly 10%.  
4.170.   In the upcoming time, Viet Nam looks forward to continuing our close cooperation with the 
Russian Federation in the WTO, and the EAEU, to further our common goal towards deeper and more 
progressive trade liberation at al l levels.  
4.171.   Viet Nam once again would like to commend the commitments and constructive contributions 
of the Russian Federation to the multilateral trading system, including issues related to WTO reform, 
fisheries subsidies, e -commerce, investment facilitati on for development, domestic regulation in 
services, gender as well as MSMEs.  
4.172.   Before closing our speech, I would like to express my appreciation to H.E . Ambassador 
Dmitry Lyakishev and his team at the Mission for their active engagement and we wish them e very 
success in their trade policy review.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.173.   The EU welcomes this second Trade Policy Review of the Russian Federation, almost a decade 
since its accession to the WTO. We welcome the delegation of Russia, led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova 
(Director  of the Department of trade negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development) and thank 
the discussant, Ambassador of Switzerland H.E. Didier Chambovey, for his remarks.  
4.174.   The EU is the main trade partner of the Russian Federation, both for goods and for serv ices, 
and its main source of foreign direct investment, with some 75% of total inward FDI. Bilateral trade 
in 2020 represented some 4.8% of EU foreign trade in goods, down from 6% at the time of the 
previous TPR.  
4.175.   Back in 2016, at its first Trade Policy Rev iew, the EU had emphasized that Russia’s WTO 
accession represented an opportunity for its modernisation. A chance to diversify its economy and 
reduce its reliance on raw materials and commodities, but equally to adjust its judicial and legal 
framework to b ring in a more dynamic and responsive market. The European Union continues to 
hold that belief.  
4.176.   Over the last few years, Russia’s efforts to play a constructive role in various areas in the 
WTO have not gone unnoticed - be it in its involvement in the Joi nt Statement Initiatives, or in its 
general support to achieve a meaningful MC12 including through its openness towards WTO reform 
in order for the organization to remain strong and credible. The EU looks forward in making progress 
in the different Joint S tatement Initiatives, and in particular concluding the Domestic Regulation JSI 
in the margins of MC12. We hope that Russia will be in the position to submit their schedule of WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  specific commitments as soon as possible, noting that the schedules of all partic ipants are an 
essential component for a successful conclusion of this negotiation.  
4.177.   However, the Russian Federation needs to redouble its commitment to the WTO. Today, we 
regret to note that since its accession the Russian authorities have expanded, rather  than reduced, 
the scope of its import substitution policy - without any realistic furthering their pretended aim of 
localisation. This not only has a negative effect on trade with the EU but is done in most cases to 
the direct detriment of Russian consume rs. 
4.178.   In addition, the arguments used by the Russian authorities to justify protectionist policies - 
namely that they are a direct consequence of the sanctions of individual economies on the Russian 
Federation – are questionable in our view. These Russian po licies started immediately after Russia 's 
WTO accession and predate the political tensions that Russia highlights.  
4.179.   Some of the specific questions tabled by the EU better explain the underlying concerns that 
we have. Allow me to highlight some:  
4.180.   Several que stions target the contradiction between the aspiration of the Russian Federation 
to become a member of the Government Procurement Agreement, and the reality of its practice. 
The ability of foreign bidders to participate in government procurement has been o bstructed or 
effectively denied through a growing body of regulations granting advantages to domestic products 
via price preferences, quotas, or exclusion of foreign goods and services.  
4.181.   A large part of the Russian state’s presence in the economy – up to 2 0% of Russian GDP - 
corresponds to state -owned enterprises providing products and services in a commercial context. 
Despite the applicable WTO rules in this area, the Russian Federation has introduced such a growing 
body of restrictions as to make the part icipation of foreign bidders in tenders uneconomic, or a 
practical impossibility.  
4.182.   As to export restrictions - under the rationale of preventing illegal logging and supporting 
domestic forest -based industries - the Russian Federation has announced a ban on the export of 
unprocessed wood from 2022. It remains unclear how the Russian Federation intends to reconcile 
these measures with the schedule of its concessions, which include export tariff -rate quotas in some 
of the categories of wood covered by the annou nced ban.  
4.183.   One primary mission of the WTO is to facilitate transparency. For this, a reliable notification 
practice is imperative. The Russian Federation’s performance in this area leaves much to be desired.  
4.184.   For example, Russian Federation notifications in the area of technical barriers to trade have 
concerned only Eurasian Economic Union -level measures. A number of Russian Federation national 
measures falling within the scope of the TBT Agreement entered into force without any notification 
whatsoever to the  WTO, including those regarding the wines and spirits sector. Not a single measure 
adopted at the national level has been notified to the WTO.  
4.185.   The same can be said about the exclusive rights in the area of foreign trade granted to 
certain entities in the Russian Federation including, for example, for the export of natural gas. The 
Russian Federation has failed, since its accession, to notify a single state -trading enterprise to the 
WTO. At the same time, around 50% of the EU’s imports from the Russian Fede ration are sold by a 
single export monopoly of natural gas. Let me also remark that, beyond its non -notification, this fact 
sits uneasily with the overall principles of the WTO, and in our view also with the long -term interests 
of Russia.  
4.186.   To conclude, the EU welcomes the Russian Federation’s commitment in its report to an open, 
non-discriminatory and transparent multilateral trading system, and for a reform aimed at 
preserving the WTO’s role in maintaining and developing new trade rules. We commend this as a 
good foundation for the necessary efforts that Russia should undertake to abide by the spirit and 
the letter of its WTO commitments, and to build a more open, transparent and non -discriminatory 
business environment.  
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
- 30 - 
 
  ARGENTINA  
4.187.   Quisiéramos en primer luga r dar la bienvenida a la delegación de la Federación de Rusia, 
encabezada por la señora Ekaterina Mayorova, Directora del Departamento de Negociaciones 
Comerciales del Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico de Rusia. Aprovecho también la oportunidad 
para felic itar al Embajador Dmitry Lyakishev , y a todo su equipo de trabajo por su compromiso y su 
liderazgo en la OMC.  
4.188.   Agradecemos los informes preparados por Rusia y por la Secretaría, así como el valioso 
aporte realizado por el Embajador Chambovey que nos han permitido profundizar nuestro 
conocimiento de las prácticas comerciales de este Miembro.  
4.189.   Mi delegación felicita a Rusia por haberse mantenido en la senda de la diversificación 
económica, por aplicar políticas encaminadas a mejorar el entorno empresarial y el clima de 
inversión, desarrollar el comercio internacional, la cooperación económica, promover la 
modernizació n tecnológica y apoyar a las microempresas y las pequeñas y medianas empresas 
(mipymes), así como por buscar promover la inversión extranjera directa en el período bajo examen.  
4.190.   Nos complace saber que gracias a su política macroeconómica coherente y equili brada, Rusia 
pudo hacer frente a las conmociones externas, incluida la pandemia COVID -19.  
4.191.   Rusia es un destacado socio comercial de la Argentina. Desde 2016, Argentina mantuvo con 
la Federación de Rusia un saldo superavitario debido, mayormente, a la fuert e disminución de 
importaciones de gasoil. En 2020 el intercambio comercial entre la Argentina y la Federación de 
Rusia fue de USD 903.1 millones. El superávit argentino fue de USD 446 millones, con exportaciones 
por USD 612 millones e importaciones de USD 166 millones.  
4.192.   La Argentina es el quinto exportador a la Federación Rusa desde Latinoamérica y el cuarto 
destino de las exportaciones rusas a esta región. Para la Argentina es muy importante el intercambio 
comercial con la Federación Rusa y valora su conti nuidad y fortalecimiento.  
4.193.   Respecto de las relaciones de cooperación bilateral y en el marco de la COVID -19, Argentina 
ha acordado con Rusia la provisión de unas 30 millones de dosis de Sputnik V, lo que nos ha 
permitido establecer un alto ritmo de vacunac ión en Argentina.  
4.194.   Asimismo, como producto de la estrecha colaboración y trabajo conjunto, hoy se está 
produciendo en Argentina la vacuna Sputnik V, reduciendo así los costos logísticos y tiempos de 
entrega.  
4.195.   Además, a través del Fondo de Inversión Soberana , Rusia ha cooperado con el Estudio 
Colaborativo para la Evaluación de Esquemas Heterólogos de Vacunación contra el COVID -19 que 
se realiza en nuestro país. Este estudio, está permitiendo generar evidencia científica no solo para 
Argentina, sino para toda la región y el mundo, sobre la aplicación combinada de vacunas.  
4.196.   Argentina aprecia enormemente las contribuciones de Rusia al sistema multilateral de 
comercio y a su activa participación en esta organización.  
4.197.   Compartimos la defensa de un sistema multilater al de comercio abierto, no discriminatorio 
y transparente, en el que la OMC ocupe un lugar central.  
4.198.   Argentina y Rusia apoyan plenamente la labor del G -20 y participan activamente en el Grupo 
de Trabajo sobre Comercio e Inversiones del G -20, cuyo objetivo es reforzar el consenso sobre 
cuestiones pertinentes de especial importancia para el programa de comercio mundial, en particular 
la reforma de la OMC.  
4.199.   Rusia y Argentina consideran importante que la OMC avance en las negociaciones sobre 
cuestiones relacionadas con la agricultura. Nuestras delegaciones bogan por la pronta conclusión de 
las negociaciones sobre las subvenciones a la pesca en condiciones aceptables para todos los 
Miembros de la OMC.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
- 31 - 
 
  4.200.   Rusia y Argentina son partidarios de que la política comercial contribuye a la implementación 
de los ODS. Ambos comparten el entendido de que la OMC debe atender al crecimiento y el desarrollo 
de todos los miembros, especialmente de los países en desarrollo y menos adelantados.  
4.201.   En el marco de este  Examen de  Política Comercial hemos presentado a la Federación Rusia 
varias preguntas sobre diversas cuestiones, incluyendo sobre el régimen de inversión e incentivos 
fiscales, sobre simplificación de procedimientos aduaneros, sobre indicaciones geográficas y 
prescr ipciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias. En particular hemos remitido consultas relativas al sistema 
de inspecciones sanitarias ruso. Mucho agradeceremos las aclaraciones que la Federación Rusa nos 
pueda dar al respecto y aprovechamos esta oportunidad para so licitar particularmente que se 
agilicen las inspecciones de establecimientos argentinos para la autorización de exportación de 
productos agropecuarios.  
4.202.    Agradecemos de antemano las respuestas proporcionadas, las cuales serán debidamente 
estudiadas por nues tras autoridades en Buenos Aires, y esperamos continúe el fluido dialogo bilateral 
entre nuestras delegaciones.  
4.203.   Para concluir, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro agradecimiento por esta oportunidad de 
intercambiar consideraciones sobre las prácticas comerciales de Rusia y desearle a esta delegación 
una exitosa conclusión de este ejercicio.  
UNITED  KINGDOM  
4.204.   Let me first of all join others in welcoming Director Ekaterina Mayorova and her numerous 
team from the Russian Federation here today. Allow me to thank her Gove rnment and the Secretariat 
for their respective reports and work towards this Review.I would also like to extend our thanks to 
our distinguished discussant Ambassador Chambovey for facilitating the process and for his, as ever, 
insightful comments at the o pening of this meeting.  
4.205.   Chair, we appreciate the opportunity to engage with the Russian Federation on its trade 
policy regime.  
4.206.   Bilateral trade between the UK and Russia grew to over GBP 14.5 billion in the four quarters 
to the end of Q2 2021. Exports from the United Kingdom to Russia totalled over GBP 4 billion during 
that period. Russian exports to the United Kingdom between 2016 and 2020 increased threefold 
giving a total of over GBP 10 billion.  
4.207.   I would like to join other Members in welcoming the active participation of the Russian 
Federation right across the different negotiations we have in this house, not least across the 
invaluable plurilateral initiatives. We welcome Russia’s contributions in these important discussions 
to modernise the WTO Rulebook and make it fit for the 2020s. I would also like to recognise the 
positive changes made and steps taken by the Russian Federation since its last Trade Policy Review 
in 2016, such as implementing key provisions of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, reduct ions to 
the simple average applied MFN tariff rate, and developments in the area of electronic commerce.  
4.208.   Chair, having spoken about these several encouraging developments, I note, like others, 
that there remain a number of areas in which we would like to see further efforts by the Russian 
Federation to promote free and fair trade.  
4.209.   Firstly, despite the commitment expressed by the Russian Federation in its report to 
improving the business climate, as other Members have also noted this morning, Russia contin ues 
to implement local content and import substitution policies. Indeed, this is clear from the comments 
of the Russian Government in its own report. These policies, as others have said, have an impact 
upon foreign direct investment, and upon government an d commercial procurement practices. We 
cannot ignore their detrimental effect on free and fair trade, international trade and investment. We 
call on our Russian colleagues to ensure Russia 's policies are consistent with its WTO obligations, 
and are adminis tered in the spirit of those obligations.  
4.210.   Related to this, we note that the significant stake of state -owned enterprises in key sectors 
of the Russian economy continues to hinder open and fair competition. The United Kingdom would WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  like to advocate a reduce d role for state owned enterprises in the Russian economy, in line with the 
liberalising spirit of the commitments our countries have undertaken as WTO Members.  
4.211.   Secondly, like other Members which have spoken this morning, we would like to highlight 
the fur ther challenge for competitive conditions which is posed by the prevalence of domestic 
subsidies and tax relief policies within the Russian Federation. These market distorting policies 
disrupt the level playing field and provide unfair advantages to domest ic Russian entities over their 
international competitors. In our view such policies are present in a wide range of sectors, such as 
IT, energy, agriculture and agri -tech, as well as being embedded in Russia’s export credit system. 
Again, Chair, we would en courage the Russian Federation to review its policies in this area to ensure 
compliance with WTO commitments.  
4.212.   Thirdly, Chair, I would like to comment on another matter of concern for British business 
operating in the Russian Federation. Our questions to th e Russian Federation contain several 
requests for clarification as to the interaction between the regulatory regimes of the Russian State 
and the Eurasian Economic Union. The lack of clarity and coherence between these regimes in areas 
such as SPS, intelle ctual property and labelling leads to burdensome complexity for British business 
and other international businesses and in some cases serves as a substantial barrier to trade. We 
look forward to reviewing Russia’s responses to our questions on this matter.  
4.213.   We would like to highlight challenges with the enforcement of legislation on intellectual 
property rights developed at Union and State level, in a context where online piracy continues to 
pose an ongoing threat to the interests of UK business in Russia.  We urge the Russian Federation to 
align its standards to those of international best practice, refrain from introducing measures that are 
more trade restrictive than necessary and strengthen its enforcement practices in these important 
areas.  
4.214.   Lastly, whilst we welcome the confirmation in the Secretariat 's report that Russia's 
notification record is generally positive, we must highlight that some notifications remained 
outstanding towards the end of 2020 and no notifications were provided in rel ation to State Trading 
Enterprises under Article XVII of the GATT.  Again Chair , we would encourage the Russian Federation 
to make all relevant notifications to the WTO in a consistent and timely manner, in line with its own 
transparency obligations.  
4.215.   This Trade Policy Review presents an opportunity for our colleagues in the Russian Federation 
to build on developments Russia has made since the last T rade Policy Review , to take decisive steps 
to strengthen its trade policy regime in the areas highlighted thro ugh this process by the UK and 
other Members, and to show that Russia is living by values of free and fair trade - not just in word 
but also in deed . 
4.216.   To conclude, I would like to thank the Russian Federation for their engagement with this 
trade policy revi ew, and for their attention to our comments. We look forward to reviewing Russia’s 
responses to our questions, and to working together in line with words of the Director General in the 
Economist today; we have to work together to reform the WTO, we have to  make it work better for 
people everywhere.  
NORWAY  
4.217.   Let me first of all join others in welcoming the delegation of Russia to this Trade Policy 
Review and to thank the discussant for his contribution to our deliberations.  
4.218.   The Russian Federation is the world’ s largest country with extensive access to arable land, 
vast natural resources, a highly educated population, and an advanced manufacturing industry in 
several areas. The potential of Russia’s economy is therefore unquestionable.  
4.219.   The achievement of the fu ll potential of Russia 's economy seems, however, to be somewhat 
constrained by certain structural challenges, in particular with respect to productivity and 
diversification, as pointed out by a recent World Bank study and referred to in the WTO Secretariat  
report. These challenges may, at least partly, explain why Russia has experienced a consistent 
decline in the potential economic growth since the financial crisis. As the Secretariat notes, closer WT/TPR/W/199  
 
- 33 - 
 
  integration and participation in global value chains could  help to improve productivity, improve job 
quality, and reduce poverty.  
4.220.    To achieve these objectives and to secure continued development of Russia 's economy, it 
will be important to build a predictable framework for traders and foreign investors, includin g 
strengthening the independence of the judiciary. In this context, we welcome various reforms aimed 
at improving the business environment. Numerous challenges remain, however. Uncertainty in the 
area of rule of law, complexity of tax regulations, difficul t access to financing, corruption, inadequate 
transparency, and inadequate respect for property rights continue to be issues of concern for 
investors in Russia.  
4.221.   These uncertainties may also be partly to blame for the relatively limited bilateral trade and  
investment flows between Norway and Russia, and despite the fact that we are neighbours with a 
shared border. Trade in goods between Norway and Russia is quite limited, with Russia exporting 
around three times more to Norway then the other way around. Res trictive measures and 
subsequent retaliatory import restrictions imposed by the Russian Federation, also play a role in 
limiting the potential for trade.  
4.222.   Furthermore, it should be noted that bilateral trade is dominated by raw materials, reflecting 
the fa ct that raw materials are key to both countries, and illustrating that we are faced with similar 
challenges related to the diversification of our economic base as well as our trade relation.  
4.223.   Let me in this context add that Norway and Russia share a number  of common challenges 
and opportunities, and that we have a long -standing and well -functioning practical cooperation on 
issues of common interest, in particular in the far north. Just recently, Norway and Russia agreed 
on the size and share of cod quotas f or next year. Other issues of close bilateral cooperation include 
environmental issues, nuclear issues, regional cooperation, and people -to-people contact.  
4.224.   I am delighted to note that this cordial and practical contact also extends to the WTO. We 
apprecia te that Russia, since it 's accession in 2012, has gradually become more actively engaged in 
the WTO, better reflecting Russia 's economic size and global significance. We welcome the fact that 
Russia is a party to the Information Technology Agreement, and w e hope that Russia’s process of 
accession to the Government Procurement Agreement can be resumed.  
4.225.   Furthermore, we welcome Russia 's participation in all Joint Statement Initiatives, as well the 
Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. We also appreciate  the many constructive 
conversations we have had in the context of one particular area of common interest, namely the 
fisheries subsidies negotiations.  
4.226.   Russia and Norway are both leading maritime nations. Our maritime cooperation is 
significant, and we hav e a shared interest in working for open markets and fair competition in the 
international maritime transport services sector. Norway is pleased to note the comprehensive 
commitments of the Russian Federation for maritime transport in the schedule under the  WTO/GATS 
agreement.  
4.227.   We have, however, some concerns regarding certain amendments of a Russian Federal Act 
relating to transport of subsoil resources (petroleum/coal), and possible reservations for Russian 
flagged and built vessels. It is not clear to us to what extent these changes might apply to 
international trades in addition to cabotage. This is why we have posed a question in this regard, 
and we hope that the response will confirm that the amendments will be in line with Russia's WTO 
commitments.  Finally, let me wish Russia a successful Trade Policy Review . 
CHILE  
4.228.   Saludamos cordialmente a la delegación rusa, encabezada por la Directora del Departamento 
de Negociaciones Comerciales del Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico, Ekaterina Mayorova. 
Dirigimos ta mbién un especial saludo a mi vecino el Embajador Dmitry Lyakishev y el equipo de su 
Misión, con quienes trabajamos estrechamente en distintos ámbitos en esta organización.  
4.229.   Agradecemos el trabajo realizado para este examen, tanto por la Secretaría como por el 
gobierno ruso, por los análisis y antecedentes presentados en los respectivos informes, y felicitamos WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  al Representante Permanente de Suiza, Embajador Didier Chambovey , por su contribución como 
ponente.  
4.230.   Rusia es un socio relevante para Chile. Nuestra relación bilateral se va consolidando 
progresivamente mediante diversos convenios, consultas políticas regulares, cooperación en 
materias de defensa, ciencia y tecnología, as í como nuestra común pertenencia a distintas instancias 
internacionales de integración comercial.  
4.231.   Chile y Rusia enmarcan su relación comercial en el Convenio sobre Comercio y Cooperación 
Económica, vigente desde mayo de 1995, y en virtud del cual se creó l a Comisión 
Intergubernamental Chileno –Rusa de Comercio y Cooperación Económica. La décima reunión de la 
Comisión tendrá lugar en noviembre próximo.  
4.232.   Para continuar profundizando los lazos comerciales con Rusia y los demás miembros de la 
Unión Económica Euro asiática, Chile aspira a negociar un Acuerdo Comercial con ese bloque.  
4.233.   En los últimos cinco años el comercio bilateral ha crecido a un promedio anual de 3%, 
totalizando el 2020, USD 741 millones, una cifra baja para el potencial existente, con un saldo 
favorable a mi país.  
4.234.   Rusia es un mercado importante para los envíos chilenos de alimentos del mar, lácteos, 
carnes, frutos secos, fruta fresca, vino y productos agroindustriales en general. A su vez, nuestras 
principales importaciones desde Rusia correspondie ron a nitrato de amonio, combustibles sólidos, 
caucho isopreno y tableros de madera.  
4.235.   Ambos somos parte del Foro Económico del Asia Pacífico (APEC) donde compartimos 
iniciativas en temas como innovación digital y oportunidades educacionales; inteligencia ar tificial, 
empoderamiento de mujeres pescadoras artesanales, lidera el pilar sobre mejora del ambiente de 
negocios para las cadenas globales de valor en la iniciativa chilena para desarrollar dichas cadenas, 
con especial enfoque en la promoción de la partic ipación de mujeres y pymes . Y también se destaca 
el premio que todos los años entrega la Federación Rusa a mujeres empresarias de la región para 
promover su liderazgo.  
4.236.   En la OMC, ambos países concordamos en la gran importancia de contar con un sistema 
multilateral abierto, transparente y basado en normas. Asimismo, ambos formamos parte del Grupo 
de Trabajo Informal sobre Comercio y Cuestiones de Género y apoyamos activamente las iniciativas 
conjuntas sobre facilitación de inversiones para el desarrollo, don de quisiera destacar el activo papel 
de Olga Biryukova y donde esperamos lograr un resultado positivo que tome en cuenta las 
preocupaciones de la Federación de Rusia en algunas áreas. También trabajamos juntos en las 
iniciativas conjuntas sobre comercio el ectrónico, pymes y reglamentación nacional para servicios. 
Respecto a esta última negociación, alentamos a Rusia a contribuir al éxito de la iniciativa y la CM12, 
circulando prontamente su lista de pre -finalización. En las negociaciones sobre subsidios a l a pesca, 
esperamos ver de parte de Rusia mayor flexibilidad en sus posiciones, para lograr un acuerdo 
ambicioso que tenga en el centro la sustentabilidad de los recursos pesqueros.  
4.237.   Con respecto a los informes presentados y en relación al periodo examinado , valoramos la 
estabilidad macroeconómica mostrada por Rusia, el establecimiento de condiciones propicias para 
el desarrollo del comercio electrónico, la adopción de medidas de simplificación de los procedimientos 
aduaneros, la reducción (aunque ligera) de l promedio aritmético de los tipos arancelarios NMF (de 
8,3% a 7,9%), la adopción del Plan Nacional de Desarrollo de la Política de Competencia y la 
existencia de un mercado de telecomunicaciones competitivo.  
4.238.   No obstante, vemos con preocupación la aplicaci ón de políticas de sustitución de las 
importaciones y de localización, y dificultades que afectan la calidad de la reglamentación, la 
independencia jurídica y la corrupción.  
4.239.   Observamos también oportunidades de mejora en materia de diversificación de las 
exportaciones (actualmente muy concentradas en combustibles fósiles), eficiencia energética y 
mejora de la competencia en el sector servicios financieros.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.240.   Para concluir, y jun to con agradecer las respuestas recibidas, quisiéramos reiterar nuestro 
interés de seguir trabajando con Rusia en las diversas instancias de nuestra Organización, y desearle 
mucho éxito en la segunda revisión de su política comercial.   
UKRAINE  
4.241.   We deeply ap preciate Secretariat report, which prompted Ukraine to rise number of 
questions regarding Russia's trade policy.  
4.242.   Ukraine would like to emphasize that the purpose of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism is 
to contribute to improved adherence by all Members to rules, disciplines and commitments made 
within the framework of the WTO, and hence to the smoother functioning of the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.243.   Unfortunately, within the period after Russia's first Review in 2016, the Russian Federation 
continues to pur sue the trade policies and practices that adversely influence the functioning of the 
multilateral trading system and does not demonstrate the predictability, transparency and 
consistency with its international commitments.  
4.244.   The increase in the numbers of fo rmal disputes launched against the Russian Federation in 
the WTO, a lot of concerns raised by WTO Members in meetings of relevant WTO bodies during the 
review period, as well as the problematic issues submitted in Members ' advance written questions 
to this  Review, confirm the broad range of Russia`s trade restrictive measures unfavorably targeting 
goods and services of WTO Members, creating new trade barriers and undermining the benefits of 
the membership in the WTO.  
4.245.   We would like to recall that the Russian  Federation was Ukraine's largest trade partner and 
our countries enjoyed bilateral economic and trading relationship until 2014, when the Russian 
Federation introduced an intensive economic and trade pressure in its aggression towards Ukraine 
and access t o this market was considerably deteriorated.  
4.246.   In 2014, the Russian Federation implemented restrictive trade measures targeted a lot of 
Ukrainian goods alleging their "incompliance " with Russia 's technical standards and phytosanitary 
regulations. In fact, Ru ssia banned imports of those products from Ukraine as appropriate technical 
regulation, labelling, hygiene or safety requirements were major obstacles to Ukraine ’s exports of 
agricultural and industrial goods to Russia while being freely supplied to market s of other trade 
partners.  
4.247.   Since 1 January 2016, the Russian Federation has unilaterally suspended the operation of 
the Treaty on a Free Trade Area between Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States 
regarding Ukraine. It resulted in application incr eased customs tariff rates on all goods originating 
in Ukraine.  
4.248.   At the same time, since 1 January 2016, Russia banned certain agricultural, raw materials 
and food imports from Ukraine.  
4.249.   Of our greatest concern, in 2018 Russia expanded the list of banned pro ducts originating in 
Ukraine or being transported through the territory of Ukraine, as well as expanded the list of 
countries covered by the ban, that negatively affected exports of WTO Members to Russia. This ban 
is still in force until 31 December 2021 a nd continues to close off areas of international trade, to 
cause ongoing uncertainties and economic damages for traders.  
4.250.   In addition, within review period Russia imposed ban on exports of agricultural and non -
agricultural products from Russia to internati onal markets.  
4.251.   As it is mentioned in the Report of the WTO Secretariat, "A ban on the international transit 
of certain cargo through the territory of the Russian Federation was implemented in 2014 and 
underwent several amendments before being lifted in July  2019. From that date, the transit traffic 
of goods originating in jurisdictions that have imposed certain economic restrictions against Russian 
legal and/or natural persons, as well as goods originating in or being transported through Ukraine, WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  must be tra ced using identification means operating on the basis of the GLONASS and, in case of 
transportation by road, registration cards for drivers ." 
4.252.   Ukraine is equally concerned about Russia 's various restrictions on international transit and 
consider that curren t administrative and regulatory transit procedures remain burdensome. Ukraine 
therefore urges Russia to adhere to its WTO obligations regarding transit, including taken under the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement, to gain obvious economic benefits from internat ional trade directly by 
Russia, as well as by its trading partners.  
4.253.   Ukraine is also concerned about the increasing number of anti -dumping measures applied 
by the Russian Federation as a member of the Eurasian Economic Union against Ukrainian products. 
At present, there are 6 anti -dumping measures in force against Ukrainian products and 2 on -going 
expire reviews conducted by the Eurasian Economic Commission (the EEC). Ukraine emphasizes that 
the EEC appears to disregard certain procedural and methodological requirements of the 
Antidumping Agreement.  
4.254.   As referred to in the TPR Government report, "politicization of foreign economic and trade 
relations is a serious challenge ". This concern should be addressed to the trade policy of the Russian 
Federation. One re cent example of such policy is also a reminder that energy security and energy 
poverty threats apply to all countries. Russia uses its gas supply monopoly for geopolitical influence.  
4.255.   The cumulative negative impact of Russia`s measures has led to substantia l decrease in our 
trade. To compare, at the beginning of this decade, almost one third of the Ukrainian export went 
to the Russian market. In 2015, the Russian Federation 's share in Ukraine 's overall trade in goods 
dropped to almost 16% and fell to 7% in 2 020, showing further downturn trend.  
4.256.   We would also like to refer to the Report, prepared by the Russian Federation, that declares 
Russia 's commitments "to an open, non -discriminatory, and transparent multilateral trading system 
with the WTO at its core ". 
4.257.   We therefore urge the Russian Federation to eliminate any trade barriers, discriminatory and 
restrictive measures and to implement its trade policy in a manner consistent with Russia 's WTO 
and free trade agreement obligations as well as with its mentioned i ntention to provide open and 
non-discriminatory trade regime, proving such intention by taking the necessary Russia 's actions.  
4.258.   In addition to the abovementioned issues, Ukraine has also submitted a number of written 
questions to the Russian Federation. We are going to examine Russia`s written replies thoroughly.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.259.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the delegation of the Russian Federation for its 
second Trade Policy Review. I extend my appreciation to Madame Ekaterina Ma yorova for her 
comprehensive presentation. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Ambassador 
Dmitry Lyakishev for all his work here in Geneva. I also thank Ambassador Didier Chambovey of 
Switzerland for his insightful comments as discussant and the Secretariat for its detailed report.  
4.260.   Chair, my delegation appreciates Russia’s continued efforts to liberalize its economy and 
implement tariff reductions in accordance with its commitments made over the course of its 
accession in 2012. I take par ticular note of Russia’s average MFN applied rates getting reduced to 
less than half of where they used to be at the early stage of its accession.  
4.261.   With the 30th anniversary of our diplomatic ties in 2020 and the 2020 -2021 Year of Mutual 
Exchange, Korea an d Russia continue to engage in robust economic and cultural interactions. In 
particular, we welcome the recent rise in the volume of bilateral trade, going through a sudden drop 
in 2020 caused largely by the COVID -19 pandemic. It is our hope that Russia wi ll promote further a 
mutually beneficial trade by deepening market liberalization based upon our complementary trade 
structures. Korea also highly appreciates our joint efforts to strengthen cooperation in major sectors, 
including energy and shipbuilding, in the context of the Nine -Bridge Action Plan 2.0.  
4.262.   As we navigate the wide -ranging changes and challenges presented by the recent 
circumstances, my delegation believes that both countries are in a position to expand the scope of WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  our close economic relation ship into new, future -oriented areas beyond the traditional areas, 
especially, in preparation for carbon neutrality and the post COVID -19 era. In particular, Korea 
believes that Russia’s immense potential for hydrogen production and Korea’s extensive exper tise 
on hydrogen utilization would pave the way for both countries to create positive synergy and broaden 
our cooperation into hydrogen commercialization and trade.  
4.263.   Our two countries have maintained momentum for discussions in the context of the bilateral  
FTA negotiation on services since June 2019. Korea looks forward to making further headway in 
these efforts so that the two countries can build a concrete platform for facilitating trade and 
promoting investments.  
4.264.   Against this positive backdrop, I wish to mention a few specific areas of interest and concerns 
for Korea.  
4.265.   Russia 's domestic laws and regulations have been made more transparent since its WTO 
accession. This is encouraging. At the same time, we have recen tly witnessed that the import quota 
system for the hydro -fluoro -carbons or HFCs, used to make refrigerators and air conditioners, is in 
operation with the apparent absence of a specific quantity or other detailed regulations. Such 
measures bring about trad e restrictive effects, posing a particular challenge to both export and 
import companies. Korea calls on Russia to take a closer look at this mechanism and address its 
impact appropriately.  
4.266.   There is a concern over the amendment to the certification rule f or automobiles, which will 
come into effect from July 2022. The new rule runs risk of putting an additional strain on corporates 
in their R&D activities. We would like to encourage Russia to formulate and operate the relevant 
legal framework in a manner co nsistent with the WTO TBT Agreement so that it does not impose 
unnecessary burdens on businesses.  
4.267.   In 2017, Russia circulated its initial market access offer in the context of its bid to join the 
GPA. Korea hopes to see Russia 's GPA accession process compl eted as early as possible through 
close cooperation with Members.  
4.268.   As many delegations said today, I also highly appreciate Russia 's contributions to the 
multilateral trading system by faithfully fulfilling its commitments on market liberalization and 
actively engaging in discussions over WTO reforms. Korea hopes that Russia will continue to 
contribute to facilitating free trade, continuously strengthening compliance with the global trade 
norms, and helping restore the multilateral trading system.  I wish th e delegation of Russia every 
success in its T rade Policy Review . 
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.269.   On behalf of the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, I would 
like to welcome the delegation of t he Russian Federation, led by Director of the Department of trade 
negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development, Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, to its second  Trade Policy 
Review. I also wish to thank the Discussant, Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Switzerland, for  his 
insightful discussion, and the WTO Secretariat for its excellent Report.  
4.270.   The Russian Federation plays an important role in world trade and global economy. Its 
economy maintained stable and resilient during the period since its last review. Even during  the 
COVID -19 outbreak, the Russian Federation was able to weather the pandemic comparatively well. 
The IMF predicts that in 2021 the global economy will continue to recover, with the Russian 
Federation growing by 3.8%. We therefore commend the Russian Fed eration on its stable economic 
performance.  
4.271.   As the Secretariat Report confirms, the Russian Federation continues to strongly support the 
multilateral trading system. For example, concerning its transparency obligations, the Russian 
Federation has registere d some important notifications on TBT and SPS. These demonstrate its 
recognition of the crucial importance of transparency. We have also noticed, however, that some of 
its notifications remain outstanding, such as those on licensing procedure, agriculture,  and especially 
state trading enterprises. We therefore encourage the Russian Federation to make efforts to fulfil its 
notification obligations in these particular areas. On its participation in the WTO negotiations, the WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  Russian Federation has been active in many fronts, including in fisheries subsidies negotiations. It 
has also taken steps to engage in all four WTO’s plurilateral joint statement initiatives. We applaud 
its active engagements in these initiatives. We also understand that the Russian Federat ion started 
negotiations on the GPA accession in 2016 and tabled its initial market access offer in 2017. We look 
forward to seeing the Russian Federation becoming a GPA Party in the not -too-distant future.  
4.272.   Concerning our bilateral ties with the Russian Fe deration, we are pleased to see that we 
maintain to be one of the Russian Federation’s significant trading partner in the Asia region in 2020. 
Machine tool industry and energy are the most important items in our bilateral trade relationship. 
While the Russ ian Federation continues to pursue its substitution policy, our own expertise and 
experience in machine tool industry can surely serve as a basis for a mutually beneficial partnership 
and help the Russian Federation to achieve its policy goal. We look forw ard to further strengthening 
our bilateral economic cooperation in the future.  
4.273.   We have raised some written questions and would like to thank the Russian Federation in 
advance for its replies. Finally, we wish the Russian Federation a productive and success ful Trade 
Policy Review.   
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.274.   Kazakhstan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Russian Federation led by Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Economic 
Development. We express our gratitude to the  Government of the Russian Federation for its 
informative Report and Statement. We also thank Ambassador Didier Chambovey for his insightful 
comments as a discussant and the WTO Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.275.   The Russian Federation is a strateg ic, political, economic and trade partner of the Republic 
of Kazakhstan. Integration processes within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union lead to 
even closer interaction between our countries.  
4.276.   Despite the decrease of the bilateral total trade turn over by 6% at the end of 2020, in 
January -August this year, the bilateral merchandise trade increased by 26.5% and constituted 
USD 14.8 billion . If in case the current positive dynamics are maintained, then the trade volume 
between Kazakhstan and Russia th is year may exceed USD 20 billion.  
4.277.   The Russian Federation is the sixth -largest investor in Kazakhstan's economy, accounting 
for USD 16.6 billion of FDI from 2005 to 2021, and ranks the third destination for direct investments 
from Kazakhstan, which amounte d to USD 4.5 billion.  
4.278.   There are more than 7 ,700 enterprises with Russian participation and 3 ,300 joint 
Kazakh -Russian enterprises successfully operating in contribution to the economic development of 
Kazakhstan. Currently, at the stage of implementation t here are 30 major collaborative projects in 
the field of trade, construction, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals totalling USD 5.3 billion.  
4.279.   We particularly emphasize Russia's efforts in providing medical assistance to other countries 
to fight the pandemic, in cluding my country.  
4.280.   In this regard, we highly appreciate effective assistance by Russian doctors who have been 
working very closely with their Kazakh colleagues in the most difficult regions affected by the 
pandemic, honourably fulfilling their professiona l duty, sharing their experience and knowledge.  
4.281.   A separate important stage of our cooperation during this period was the launch of the 
production of the Russian vaccine "Sputnik V" on the basis of Kazakhstan's pharmaceutical complex 
as part of the impleme ntation of Agreements between our Presidents.  
4.282.   We believe that in the context of the global crisis and the decline in global economic and 
investment activity, we will continue working closely to deepen cooperation between our countries 
to achieve mutual ben efits. 
4.283.   We applaud the consistent work of the Russian Federation that has been carried out on the 
Trade Facilitation Agreement to simplify customs procedures, reduce the time required for customs WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  operations, eliminate unnecessary barriers in the field of cu stoms regulation with the aim to promote 
favourable conduct of foreign trade activities, as well as to automate customs operations and reduce 
the time for the release of goods. For instance, since 2018, the interaction process between 
interested parties an d customs authorities has completely switched to electronic document 
management. This covers the delivery of public services, administration of payment of customs 
duties and taxes, post -clearance audit, appeals of decisions, actions of customs authorities.  
4.284.   Kazakhstan notes that the Russian Federation has taken several measures to improve 
legislation to simplify the conditions for doing business, reduce administrative barriers, and ensure 
the required quality of law enforcement practice.  
4.285.   In this context, th e upward movement of the Russian Federation in the World Bank's Doing 
Business Index from 40th in 2016 to 28th place in 2020 is commendable.  
4.286.   Kazakhstan welcomes the Russian Federation's effort in enhancing the services sector, such 
as an increase in the s tability of the banking sector and the level of digitalization, the development 
of the legal foundation for the functioning of marketplaces and online platforms, liberalization of 
access to the Russian market for branches of foreign insurance companies in accordance with 
Russia's WTO accession commitments and the development of tourism.  
4.287.   According to the Ernst & Young study, Russian authorities are making more efforts to 
improve the investment climate and business environment than a few years ago to attract  
investment from foreign companies. Thus, foreign investors "see the potential of the Russian 
economy and are inclined to increase investment in the coming years."  
4.288.   We welcome the significant progress in promoting women empowerment in the Russian 
Federation that has been achieved through the implementation of the 2017 -2022 National Strategy 
for Action for Women. Thus, over the past five years, several measures have be en taken in this area. 
The number of professions in which female labour is prohibited has been reduced by four times. 
Support for women -led MSMEs and women's entrepreneurship has been strengthened.  
4.289.   On 1 January 2018, the Customs Code of the Eurasian Econo mic Union came into force. It 
has changed the approaches to customs regulation in the EAEU and created the basis for the 
development of customs information technologies for the years to come.  
4.290.   As EAEU evolves, there is still a great potential for further im provement of our mutually 
beneficial trade and economic cooperation.  
4.291.   From the perspective of the multilateral trading system, Russian Federation's achievement 
is also noteworthy. We recognize Russia's constructive engagement in multilateral negotiations on  
Agriculture, Fisheries subsidies, MSME and in major JSI negotiations on e -commerce, investment 
facilitation and domestic regulation in services.  
4.292.   I also would like to thank the Russian Federation for all the support and active participation 
in the accessio n of Kazakhstan to the WTO.  
4.293.   In conclusion, we would like to congratulate the delegation of the Russian Federation and 
the WTO Secretariat for the hard work and efforts that went into preparing for this TPR. We also like 
to express our appreciation to Amba ssador Dmitry Lyakishev and his team in Geneva. We wish the 
delegation of Russia every success for their second Trade Policy Review.  
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM ON BEHALF OF ASEAN  
4.294.   First of all, we would like to join other speakers in welcoming the delegation of the Russian 
Federation led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova – Director of the Department for Trade Negotiations, 
Ministry of Economic Development to the second  Trade Policy Review of Russia. We would like to 
thank the government of the Russian Federation and the WTO S ecretariat for their reports that are 
the foundation of our discussions today. Our appreciation is also extended to the discussant, 
H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey of Switzerland for his insightful remarks.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.295.   The ASEAN commends the economic achievements that the Ru ssian Federation has made 
during the review period, with an encouraging growth rate of 2.8% in 2018 compared to 0.2% in 
2016. As highlighted in the report by the Russian government, the Russian economy proved resilient 
during the pandemic despite the devas tating effects from the spread of the coronavirus, which 
included the disruption of global supply chains.  
4.296.   The Russian Federation became a full Dialogue Partner of ASEAN in 1996. Through the first 
meeting of the ASEAN - Russia Joint Cooperation Committee (A RJCC) and the ASEAN -Russia 
Cooperation Fund, the two sides have agreed to conduct dialogues in the spirit of ASEAN -Russia 
solidarity, towards bilateral cooperation, mutual support and understanding through specialized 
committees and working groups to accom plish committed common goals.  
4.297.   Economic cooperation between the Russian Federation and ASEAN in recent years has 
focused on implementation of the post -2017 ASEAN -Russia Trade and Investment Cooperation Work 
Program, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as energy, agriculture, science and technology, 
human resource development, tourism, development of MSMEs, as well as smart cities.  
4.298.   In September 2021, the 10th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) -Russia Consultations was 
held to mark the 25th anniversary o f the establishment of the Dialogue Partnership between the two 
sides. At this event, the two sides noted the performance of ASEAN -Russia bilateral trade and 
investment, of which, in 2020, two -way trade amounted to USD 15.7 billion  while the bilateral 
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounted to  USD 8.8 billion. The two sides also agreed to update 
the ASEAN -Russia Trade and Investment Cooperation Roadmap and the ASEAN -Russia Trade and 
Investment Cooperation Work Program for the period between 2021 and 2025, aiming towards 
further strengthening of our  economic collaboration. The emphasis on cooperation in trade and 
investment, sustainable development, and digital transformation will form the basis of a stable 
economic recovery from the pandemic.  
4.299.   Before concluding, we would like to again express the AS EAN's appreciation for the Russian 
Federation’s support of the multilateral trading system since its accession to the WTO and its 
constructive role in the WTO, including active engagement on issues related to WTO reform, fisheries 
subsidies, e -commerce, do mestic regulation in services, investment facilitation for development, 
gender issues and MSMEs. We would like to take this opportunity to commend the work of 
H.E. Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev and his team at the Mission in Geneva and we wish the Russian 
Federation every success in its second T rade Policy Review.   
MONGOLIA  
4.300.   The delegation of Mongolia would like to express gratitude to the delegation of the Russian 
Federation and the Secretariat for the comprehensive reports on Russia 's trade -related policies and 
the discussant’s overview on the updates to these policies.  
4.301.    Mongolia and Russia enjoy traditionally friendly and good -neighborly relations. This year 
marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and the 
Russian Federation. The close cooperation between the two countries has reached the 
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership level with the signing of the relevant Treaty in 2019. The 
Government of Mongolia attaches great significance to further expanding the bila teral trade and 
economic cooperation within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership. A 
particularly important role in this is played by the intergovernmental commission on trade, economic, 
scientific and technological cooperation, which is  scheduled to hold its 23rd meeting this year.  
4.302.   The bilateral trade volume between the two countries has been growing in recent years, 
reaching USD 1.8 billion in 2019. However, due to the COVID -19 pandemic the volume has 
decreased in 2020 by almost 19% ove r the previous year.  
4.303.   Despite the fact that the trade turnover between the two countries has been growing in 
recent years, there is still a large trade deficit due to high transport costs, tariff and non -tariff 
barriers, sanitary requirements for Mongolian  meat and meat products, as well as due to the fact 
that Mongolia imports almost 100% of its petroleum products from Russia. We are confident that 
there is still a lot of potential to further improve our mutually beneficial trade and economic 
cooperation.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.304.   Mongolia welcomes Russia's legislative and regulatory reforms, which are helping to increase 
the country's integration in the multilateral trading system. We are confident that the TPR meeting 
would provide good opportunity for Russia and its trading part ners, including Mongolia, to assess 
the progress and impact of Russia’s trade policy on the functioning of the multilateral trading system. 
We highly appreciate the efforts made by Russia in the implementation of the TFA since its joining 
in 2016.  We expre ss appreciation to the delegation of the Russian Federation for the hard work in 
preparing for this TPR and wish a successful review.  
ICELAND  
4.305.   Iceland joins others in welcoming the distinguished delegation of the Russian Federation to 
their second Trade Policy Review. We also express appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and Russia 
for the reports prepared, as well as to the discussant for his excellent framing of the issues for our 
discussion today.  
4.306.   As with all countries, Russia 's economy has since 2020 been  impacted by the COVID -19 
pandemic as well as the related disruption of the global oil markets. As outlined in the Trade Policy 
Review report, Russia 's measures to counter those challenges have contributed to stabilising the 
economy and GDP growth is proje cted to be 3.8% in 2021.  
4.307.   Iceland and Russia have long enjoyed a close trading history. Unfortunately, these trade ties 
were undermined in 2015 by wide ranging Russian countersanctions on Icelandic foodstuffs, in 
particular fishery products. The restrictio ns imposed by Russia were disproportionate to the targeted 
measures applied by Iceland and resulted in a 95% decrease in exports. They also had an adverse 
effect on the Icelandic fishing industry, notably in rural areas dependent on fish processing.  
4.308.   We va lue strong bilateral trade relations with Russia and welcome positive developments in 
sectors not affected by restrictive measures. A good example is related to the renewal of the Russian 
fishing fleet and fish plants, where Icelandic expertise in sea -tech solutions, i.e. naval architecture, 
design, fishing gear and processing have proven useful.  
4.309.   We also welcome Russia 's active participation in WTO negotiations on fisheries subsidies and 
urge the Russian Federation to play a constructive role in reaching a  meaningful and effective 
outcome on fisheries subsidies at MC12.  
4.310.   As we look towards global economic recovery, it is important to recall that women still face 
disproportionate barriers that prevent them from fully participating in international trade. The se 
barriers, that have increased due to the pandemic, need to be addressed with an inclusive approach 
towards economic recovery. Iceland welcomes Russia’s National Strategy for Action for Women 
2017-2022 and hopes it will contribute to ensuring that women 's full economic rights will be a 
factored contribution towards sustainable social economic development.  
4.311.   Iceland also appreciates Russia 's active participation in the Informal Working Group on Trade 
and Gender, established last year following the Buenos Aires Declaration on women 's economic 
empowerment from 2017.  
4.312.   Iceland welcomes that more and more WTO Members provide information on their gender -
responsive trade policies. The trade policy review provides an excellent opportunity to share best 
practices and experiences that aim at women’s social and economic empowerment and full inclusion 
in trade.  
4.313.   Iceland has submitted in advance written questions, among them on the participation of 
women in the economy of the Russian Federation. Iceland welcomes the replies that we will review. 
The replies concerning gender and trade will be useful as we continue to gather information on best 
practices. We wish the delegation of the Russian Federation every success for their Trade Policy 
Review.  
MALAYSIA  
4.314.   Malaysia associates herself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Brunei Darussalam.  
Malaysia is pleased to take part in the second Trade Policy Review of the Russian Federation.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.315.   Firstly, we would like to extend a very warm welcome to Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, the Dir ector 
of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development, and her delegation to 
its second Trade Policy Review. We appreciate the Russian Government and Secretariat for the 
comprehensive reports, and the discussant, Ambassador Didier  Chambovey of Switzerland for his 
insightful contribution.  
4.316.   Malaysia would like to take this opportunity to commend Russia for its macroeconomic 
stability prior to the COVID -19 pandemic. We take note that the Presidential Decree No. 474 of 
21 July 2020, whi ch outlined the National Development Goals of the Russian Federation in the Period 
up to 2030 had set out specific targets to increase productivity and economic diversity by 2030. The 
Federation 's sound monetary and exchange rate policies have also contrib uted to significant 
de-dollarization and reduced inflation, from 10.2% on average during 2003 -2012 period to 3.4% in 
2020.  
4.317.   Malaysia also wishes to congratulate the Federation 's emphasis on implementing measures 
and policies aimed at improving the business environment and investment climate, as well as 
supporting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). We observe that the main priorities of 
the Federation 's policies are aimed at ensuring a transparent and predictable business environment 
in the Russian market, which has seen an improvement in the World Bank 's composite rating "Ease 
of Doing Business " in 2020, in comparison with its ranking in 2016.  
4.318.   Historically, Malaysia has developed a strong partnership with the Russian Federation, 
particularly in the economic sphere. In 2020, the Russian Federation was Malaysia 's largest trading 
partner among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), where the total bilateral trade 
amounted to USD  1.50 billion. Although there has been a decrease  in the two -way trade in 2020, it 
has rebounded during the period of January to August 2021, which a significant increase of 53.5% 
amounting to USD  1.51 billion, compared to the corresponding period in 2020. With this promising 
trend, Malaysia continues to  look forward to further improve the value of our trade in the future.  
4.319.   On investments, the Russian Federation is also investing in Malaysia. As of October 2021, a 
total of 8 manufacturing projects have been implemented, with total investments worth 
USD 39.66 million creating over 400 jobs.  
4.320.   For this current review, Malaysia had submitted written questions on areas such as 
renewable energy, government procurement and investment. In general, Malaysia looks forward to 
obtaining further clarifications in terms of the rules and procedures governing the technical standards 
and SPS requirements, especially for agriculture and energy related sectors.  
4.321.   Once again, we would like to thank the Russian Federation for the responses, and we shall 
examine them with great int erest. We wish Russia a productive and successful T rade Policy Review .  
THAILAND  
4.322.   At the outset, Thailand fully associates itself with the ASEAN statement made b y Brunei 
Darussalam.  
4.323.   Thailand is delighted to participate in the second  Trade Policy Review of the Russian 
Federation and would like to extend our warm welcome to the Russian delegation led by Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development.  
4.324.   We would also like to thank Ambassador Didier Cham bovey of Switzerland, for his 
contribution as a discussant today, as well as to the Government of the Russian Federation and the 
WTO Secretariat for preparing the comprehensive reports.  
4.325.   In respect of our bilateral relationship, Thailand and the Russian Fed eration have enjoyed a 
long cherished diplomatic tie for over 124 years, dating back to 1897. Since then, the two countries 
have developed a multi -dimensional partnership, not only in trade but also socially and culturally. 
Next year, we will celebrate the  125th anniversary of our diplomatic relations. I am confident that 
the relationship between Thailand and Russian Federation will continue to grow and prosper.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.326.   Russia is the 29th trading partner of Thailand and is the 1st trading partner among the 
Eurasia n Economic Union in terms of trade value in 2020. In the past five years, the total trade value 
between the two countries amounted to approximately USD 2,804.69 million per year. The top 
exported goods from Russia to Thailand are crude oil, iron, steel and  associated products; fertilizer 
and pesticides; and vegetable and vegetable products. Whilst Russia imports cars, car parts and 
accessories; rubber products; prepared and preserved fruits; and machinery and parts. We hope 
that the two countries could stri ve to increase bilateral trade in the future.  
4.327.   In terms of Investment, we appreciate Russia’s "Look East " policy and believe that Thailand 
and the Russian Federation could cooperate in numerous opportunities to increase Foreign Direct 
Investment in sectors  of mutual interest, including green investments in the oil and gas industry.  
4.328.   Thailand commends the Russian Federation for her economic performance. Despite an 
economic contraction of 3 percent due the adverse impact of the COVID -19 pandemic, Russia’s GDP  
of 2021 is expected to grow by 4.3 % thanks to  a balanced macroeconomic policy, both on financial 
and trade matters that helped to overcome the negative impact of the pandemic. In 2021 and 
beyond, we are confident that Russia’s economy will continue to gro w strongly.  
4.329.   Since the Russian Federation 's accession to the WTO in 2012, she has been a strong 
supporter of the multilateral trading system that is open,  non-discriminatory, and transparent. This 
is evident by the Russian Federation 's active role in all a spects of WTO’s work, including the WTO 
Reform and ongoing negotiations on fisheries subsidies and agricultural issues as well as the joint 
statement initiatives where the Russian Federation are a member, namely,  E-Commerce, Domestic 
Regulations, Investmen t Facilitation for Development, and MSMEs. She also joined numerous 
statements and declarations, including those on COVID -19 and gender issues.  
4.330.   Thailand applauds the Russian Federation for its efforts on upgrading its trade policies and 
legal framework si nce the entry into force of the EAEU treaty. Significant changes have been made 
in the fields of custom procedures, export duties and taxes, foreign investment, competition, mining 
and energy, IP, and telecommunications and financial services. We witness t he crucial role of the 
Russian Federation in the development of EAEU and we seek the Russian Federation 's support in 
commencing the FTA negotiations between EAEU and Thailand which will contribute to a greater 
economic growth amongst all members.  
4.331.   With rega rds to the agriculture sector, Thailand acknowledges the improvement in this sector 
as a result of the Russian Federation 's balanced policy of simultaneously pursuing growth, leading 
to an increase in agricultural exports; and development, by adopting meas ures to help raise the 
standard of living and boosting employment. Thailand wholeheartedly shares both these objectives. 
However, Thailand remains concerned about SPS issues of which we believe that there is room for 
improvement. We encourage the Russian F ederation to expedite the approval process so as to 
facilitate the export of agricultural products of Thailand to the Russian Federation.  
4.332.   In this review, Thailand has submitted a number of questions on various areas of Russia's 
trade and economic policy, and we thank Russia for responding to our questions and look forward 
to thoroughly reviewing them.  
4.333.   Lastly, Thailand appreciates the leadership of Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev . We look 
forward to work closely with the Russian Mission to advance our mutual in terest. Thailand wishes 
the Russian delegation a successful Trade Policy Review and looks forward to strengthening our 
partnership at all levels.   
COLOMBIA  
4.334.   Saludamos atentamente a la Delegación de Rusia, encabezada por Ekaterina Mayorova, 
Directora del Dep artamento de Negociaciones Comerciales, y también damos una cordial bienvenida 
a su Excelencia Dmitry Lyakishev, Embajador – Representante Permanente de Rusia ante la OMC.  
4.335.   Agradecemos el completo análisis y comentarios presentados por el ponente, Embajador 
Didier Chambovey, así como todos los pertinentes elementos expuestos, los cuales contribuyen a 
esta discusión. Igualmente reconocemos el dedicado trabajo de la Secretaría y las autoridades de 
Rusia en la elaboración de los Informes.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.336.   Rusia tiene una economía sólida y dinámica, con tasas de crecimiento estables y buen 
desempeño de los indicadores macroeconómicos. Las exportaciones en promedio han tenido un 
crecimiento sosten ido, aunque tienen un alto nivel de concentración. La economía rusa no ha sido 
ajena a los retos y dificultades planteados por la pandemia, y ha puesto en evidencia la importancia 
de diversificar la base productiva y evitar la dependencia de las materias p rimas.  
4.337.   El documento de examen contiene la información interesante sobre las políticas y medidas 
adoptadas para la promoción y diversificación de las exportaciones, promover la innovación, 
favorecer la productividad y mejorar el entorno empresarial. Rusia se ha impuesto metas ambiciosas 
respecto a la modernización de la economía, la participación en cadenas de valor y aumento de 
exportaciones tanto de mercancías como de servicios.  
4.338.   En el cumplimiento de estas metas, encontramos que el informe detalla instru mentos de 
política industrial y diversos mecanismos de ayudas financieras y no financieras para las 
exportaciones, además de beneficios fiscales, créditos preferenciales, y otros incentivos. Colombia 
comparte los objetivos de diversificación y promoción de  las exportaciones y coincide con la 
importancia de una política industrial moderna, sin embargo, es fundamental que estas acciones 
sean compatibles con las normas de la OMC, en especial aquellas vinculadas con programas de 
sustitución de importaciones.   
4.339.   Desde su adhesión, Rusia ha tenido un rol de liderazgo en el sistema multilateral de 
comercio. Su participación destacada en el total de las importaciones y exportaciones mundiales se 
refleja también en su activa participación en los comités ordinarios y d e negociación. Damos la 
bienvenida al compromiso que refleja el gobierno de Rusia en su informe, con los principios 
multilaterales, su apuesta por una reforma que contribuya a fortalecer la Organización y a 
proyectarla en el futuro, así como su respaldo a un adecuado funcionamiento del Mecanismo de 
Solución de Diferencias.  
4.340.   Por otra parte, los documentos de la Secretaría y del Gobierno dan cuenta de la importancia 
que han cobrado los Acuerdos regionales y bilaterales para Rusia. En particular encontramos que  el 
tratado de la UEA ha implicado importantes actualizaciones en el régimen comercial y ha favorecido 
la apertura progresiva del mercado ruso.  
4.341.   A nivel bilateral, la cercanía entre Colombia y Rusia se remonta incluso al siglo XVIII, cuando 
se registraron los primeros contactos con la corte de la Emperatriz Catalina la Grande. Esta relación 
se ha fortalecido progresivamente, y se han desarrollado lazos comerciales y económicos, hoy 
enmarcados en la Comisión Mixta Intergubernamental que ha alcanzado importan tes resultados.  
4.342.   Actualmente, tenemos un comercio bilateral creciente y diversificado, bajo el que han 
aumentado las exportaciones colombianas de productos agropecuarios y agroindustriales. Hay 
nuevas oportunidades de comercio para explotar, en productos c omo frutas y vegetales, cosméticos 
y confecciones. Animamos a que se sigan estrechando los contactos entre nuestras autoridades que 
permitan mantener la buena trayectoria de nuestros intercambios.  
4.343.   Sobre la política arancelaria, los informes dan cuenta de las reformas introducidas por Rusia 
que han tendido a simplificar la estructura arancelaria y han resultado en una ligera reducción del 
arancel aplicado promedio en el periodo de examen. Sin embargo, persisten algunos tipos 
arancelarios específicos y mixto s y también algunos picos arancelarios importantes.  
4.344.   Llaman la atención los derechos y contingentes de exportación que se aplican sobre más de 
235 productos, incluyendo semillas, cereales y metales. Al ser Rusia un gran jugador en los mercados 
globales de v arios de estos productos, estas medidas pueden tener efectos relevantes para varios 
jugadores a lo largo de las cadenas productivas.  
4.345.   Resaltamos que, bajo la Unión Económica Euroasiáticas, se ha dado mayor claridad a las 
normas que rigen las prohibiciones,  restricciones y licencias de importación. Sin embargo, genera 
preocupación las medidas de sustitución de importaciones y las políticas sobre contenido nacional, 
en especial las que vinculan estos elementos con la atracción de Inversión Extranjera.  
4.346.   En est e examen, también llama la atención el rol preponderante que continúan teniendo el 
gobierno dentro de la economía. Las empresas estatales, si bien han disminuido en número frente WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  a años anteriores, siguen teniendo una participación importante en una varied ad importante de 
sectores.  
4.347.   En el área de procedimientos aduaneros y de comercio exterior, felicitamos los avances y 
acciones concretas adoptadas durante el periodo de examen, en particular relacionadas con la 
simplificación de trámites y la adopción de mecanismos electrónicos. Tambi én resultan positivos los 
avances en la ampliación y mejora de la Ventanilla Única de comercio Nacional, que beneficiará la 
importación de mercancías y facilitará la gestión de riesgos.  
4.348.   En el área de transparencia, reconocemos el récord positivo que ha ma ntenido Rusia, e 
invitamos a continuar contribuyendo con el pilar de vigilancia de la OMC por medio de la presentación 
de las notificaciones pendientes de manera oportuna.   
4.349.   Reconocemos lo completo y detallado del informe preparado por el Gobierno de la Fe deración 
Rusa, el cual da cuenta de su compromiso con el sistema multilateral de comercio. La inclusión de 
secciones dedicadas sobre políticas para promover la partición de las mipymes en el comercio 
internacional, así como sobre el empoderamiento económic o de la mujer reflejan el respaldo de 
Rusia a estas iniciativas y permiten obtener información detallada para los análisis y acciones de 
estos grupos de trabajo.  
4.350.   Igualmente resulta de bastante interés la sección sobre comercio y protección del medio 
ambie nte, en la que se reconoce el rol importante que tienen las reglas de la OMC, como parte de 
la institucionalidad multilateral para responder a los desafíos ambientales que enfrentamos.  
4.351.   Colombia presentó preguntas sobre aspectos de interés en nuestra relac ión comercial, como 
los niveles arancelarios, prescripciones sanitarias y fitosanitarias, restricciones impuesto y cargas a 
las exportaciones, actualizaciones en la normativa aduanera, y la integración comercial bajo la Unión 
Euroasiática.  Colombia estará atenta a las respuestas de las autoridades de Rusia.  
4.352.   Finalizo deseándole a Rusia y a su delegación un exitoso cierre del proceso de examen de 
sus políticas comerciales. Extendemos un cordial reconocimiento al Embajador Lyakishev y los 
delegados en Ginebra, y sea esta también la oportunidad para resaltar la excelente relación de 
trabajo y cooperación que caracteriza a nuestras dos Misiones . 
REPÚBLICA DOMINICANA  
4.353.   En primer lugar, deseamos dar la bienvenida a la Sra . Ekaterina Mayorov a, Directora del 
Departament o de Negociaciones Comerciales del Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico de la Federación 
Rusa, y a su distinguida delegación.  
4.354.   Asimismo, felicitamos al Ponente, Excmo. S r. Didier Chambovey, Embajador de Suiza, y a 
la Secretaría por la preparación del Informe .  
4.355.   La República Dominicana y la República de Rusia mantienen excelentes relaciones.  
4.356.   Para el periodo enero 2015 -julio 2021 el intercambio comercial de República Dominicana con 
Rusia fue de US D 664 millones, correspondiendo el 91% a importaciones y el 9% a exportaciones. 
Las exportaciones dominicanas han crecido recientemente a una tasa anual de un 40%. Están 
entrando al mercado ruso los siguientes productos dominicanos: granallas de fundición en bruto ; de 
fundición especular de hierro ; Ron y otros derivados  de la caña de azúcar ; alcohol etílico ; cigarros 
puros; derivados de cobre; aguacates frescos o secos ; café tostado sin descafeinar ; frutas; calzados ; 
y tabaco sin desvenar.  
4.357.   Las importaciones han crecido a una tasa anual de un 28%. Los principales productos 
importados son : aceites ligeros y preparaciones ; productos intermedios de hierro o acero sin alear ; 
con un contenido de carbono ; urea incl. en disolución acuosa ; alambrón de acero de fácil 
mecanización, sin alear ; enrollado en espiras  irregulares "coronas" ; vodka; suero de mantequilla ; 
entre otros.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.358.   Por otra parte, Rusia se ha convertido en los últimos años en el tercer emisor de turistas a 
nuestro país después de los Estados Unidos y Canadá. En el 2019 llegaron unos 220 mil turistas 
rusos a la República Dominicanas, cifras que han disminuido por la pandemia. Para junio de este 
año se han recibido unos 8 mil turistas rusos. Esperamos que los números vuelvan a alcanzar e 
incluso sobrepasar los niveles pre -pandémicos.  
4.359.   Felicitamos a Rusia p or haber establecido condiciones fundamentales para el desarrollo del 
comercio electrónico, como leyes de protección de los consumidores, disposiciones en materia de 
privacidad de los datos y firmas electrónicas. La principal legislación aduanera se actual izó tras la 
entrada en vigor, el 1 de enero de 2018, del Código de Aduanas de la UEEA, que introdujo diversas 
innovaciones encaminadas a simplificar los procedimientos aduaneros, en particular a través de 
medios electrónicos, y a aplicar las disposiciones fundamentales del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del 
Comercio.  
4.360.   Observamos con beneplácito que Rusia está comprometida con un sistema comercial 
multilateral abierto, no discriminatorio y transparente con la OMC en su centro, tal y como indica su 
informe y se pu ede apreciar en su participación en la organización.  
4.361.   Finalmente, queremos agradecer las oportunas respuestas de Rusia a los planteamientos 
realizados por la República Dominicana sobre distintos puntos contenidos en el Informe. Deseamos 
a Rusia y su delegación muchos éxitos en el presente informe . 
ECUADOR  
4.362.   Felicitamos a la Federación Rusa en su segundo Examen de Políticas Comerciales y 
saludamos a sus autoridades presentes en esta reunión.  
4.363.   Quisiera iniciar mi intervención manifestando el reconocimient o del Ecuador hacia las 
políticas que Rusia impulsa encaminadas a modernizar su economía, fomentar la competitividad y 
crear condiciones favorables para su crecimiento y desarrollo sostenible.  
4.364.   Notamos que la Federación Rusa promueve una política industria l a través del apoyo a los 
exportadores, los incentivos fiscales y la sustitución de importaciones. Confiamos en que esa política 
industrial, acompañada de iniciativas orientadas a la diversificación de su economía y la reducción 
de la dependencia de los r ecursos minerales y energéticos, no afectará el relacionamiento con sus 
socios comerciales ni distorsionará el comercio internacional.  
4.365.   La Federación Rusa, desde su adhesión a la OMC, ha dirigido sus esfuerzos para pasar de 
una economía de planificación cen tralizada a una economía de mercado. Medidas como la 
consolidación de la totalidad de sus líneas arancelarias, la apertura de sus sectores de servicios y la 
limitación de los derechos de exportación suponen modificaciones substanciales en su política 
comer cial, que no pueden pasar desapercibidas.  
4.366.   La Federación Rusa es sin duda un importante actor en el comercio mundial, tanto por sus 
relaciones a nivel bilateral con muchos países, entre ellos el Ecuador, como por su interacción en 
entendimientos y mecanismo s internacionales, y su participación en el sistema multilateral de 
comercio, por lo tanto, las decisiones que aplique en relación a su política comercial tendrán siempre 
un impacto en el comercio internacional.  
4.367.   El Ecuador y la Federación de Rusia mantien en un importante intercambio comercial, que en 
el 2020 superó los USD 900 millones, con un incremento del 5% en comparación con el año 2019. 
Más de 571 empresas ecuatorianas exportan productos al mercado ruso, principalmente productos 
agrícolas como banano , flores, camarón y café. Por este motivo, Ecuador sigue con particular 
atención la normativa aplicable a su sector agropecuario, incluido el esquema sanitario y 
fitosanitario.  
4.368.   En lo que respecta a las importaciones desde Rusia, el Ecuador adquiere de la Federación 
insumos agrícolas y maquinaria. La composición del intercambio bilateral sugiere la 
complementariedad de sus economías y la existencia de un mayor espacio para la profundización de 
las relaciones comerciales entre los dos países.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.369.   Con ocasión de este examen comercial, Ecuador ha presentado preguntas por escrito 
respecto de las políticas comerciales de la Federación Rusa, que se refieren a los derechos de aduana 
e impuestos oficiales, porcentajes arancelarios, régimen de importaciones, así como sob re los 
programas de incentivos a la exportación. Quedamos en espera de recibir las gentiles respuestas a 
las preguntas formuladas.  
4.370.   Al finalizar mi intervención, a nombre del Ecuador auguro a la Federación Rusa una exitosa 
conclusión de este segundo examen  de sus políticas comerciales.  
TURKEY  
4.371.   Turkey joins other members in welcoming the delegation of Russian Federation headed by 
Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Economic 
Development.  
4.372.   We would like to t hank the Secretariat and the Government of Russia for their reports as 
well as discussant Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Switzerland for his valuable comments.  
4.373.   As stated in the reports, the Russian Federation demonstrated macroeconomic stability, low 
inflation rate and ample international reserves during the review period. Russia also managed to 
mitigate the impact of declining and volatile oil prices and other external developments.  
4.374.   New national development objectives and related national projects that wer e adopted in 
2018 and revised in 2020, are promising. As stated in the Secretariat 's report, participation in global 
value chains can contribute to achievement of these new development goals.  
4.375.   In 2020, like other countries, Russia has faced a significant slowdown in economic activity 
during the lockdown period.  
4.376.   Yet, international trade continues to have a significant place in Russia's economic 
development. We are pleased to see that Russian Federation considers open and non -discriminatory 
trade , favorable conditions for capital flows and technology, as well as the stability and predictability 
of international trade rules at the core of the sustainability of Russia's economic development.  
4.377.   Since 2014, the Government has implemented the State Progr amme for Economic 
Development and Innovation Economy, combining activities to improve the business and investment 
environment. We welcome the Russian Federation’s intention to continue to undertake reforms to 
improve the business environment for investors.  
4.378.   Russian Federation is an active participant in our work at the WTO and accepted the 
Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) in April 2016. All TFA provisions have been binding from the 
moment the agreement has entered into force. Russia also contributes to all Joint Statement 
Initiatives.  
4.379.   Over the last two decades, Turkish -Russian economic and trade relations have been 
developing and diversifying.  
4.380.   At the bilateral level, these diverse relations produce concrete results in energy and services 
sectors as well as in increasing trade volume.  
4.381.   As stated in the reports, Turkey is the sixth largest trading partner of Russia.  
4.382.   Seven  million Russian tourists came to Turkey in 2019. Despite the pandemic restrictions, 
we hosted 2 million tourists from Russia in 2020. By t he end of this year, the figure is expected to 
reach 3 million.  
4.383.   Total value of Turkish construction projects in Russia exceeded USD 85 billio n. 
4.384.   Russia is one of the biggest oil and gas supplier for Turkey. Besides, our cooperation in 
energy is expanding. O ur Presidents attended the inauguration ceremony of TurkAkım Natural Gas 
Pipeline in 2020 and Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is being constructed as a joint project.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.385.   We believe that, once concluded, Agreement on Services and Investments will boost our 
economi c partnership. Thus, negotiations should be carried forward since there is a huge potential 
especially in the fields of automotive industry, cosmetics, pharmaceutical industry, textile, food, 
machinery, energy, processed food, and chemical products.  
4.386.   We would like to continue to further strengthen our cooperation with Russia in all areas.  
4.387.   To conclude, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the delegation of Russian 
Federation, Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev and his team for the excellent preparation  for this review, 
as well as their constructive contributions to WTO activities. We wish Russia a very successful Trade 
Policy Review.  
INDONESIA  
4.388.   First, Indonesia associates its statement with ASEAN statement read by Ambassador Mrs 
Pengiran Mahalee  of Brun ei Darussalam. Indonesia would like to extend its warm welcome to Ms 
Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Economic 
Development , and other members of the delegation to the Trade Policy Review of the Russian  
Federation.  
4.389.   Indonesia would also like to convey its appreciation to Chair of Trade Policy Review Body 
H.E. Dr Athaliah Lesiba Molokomme of Botswana  and the discussant H.E. Mr  Didier Chambovey of 
Switzerland  for his insightful remarks and our appreciation to the WTO Secretariat and the delegation 
of Russia for their comprehensive report s when preparing and conducting the second Trade Policy 
Review of the Russian Federation.  
4.390.   Upon the accession in 2012, Russia 's membership in the WTO has become a significant boost 
to international economy and major benefit to its development and resulted in a positive impact on 
the conditions of trade and investment. Russia always intended to create better business 
environment and competitive industries, as well as to achieve a completely new level of integration 
into the global economic system.  
4.391.   Indonesia acknowledge s that Russia has improve d its policy with respect to market access 
for WTO Members on trade in goods and services, while it also ensures a transparent and predicta ble 
mechanism in order to maintain and strengthen the multilateral trading system.  
4.392.   Indonesia underlines that Russia is applying over -tariff with respect of import duties with 
6.7% MFN applied tariff, 7.6% final bound tariff, and 100% tariff binding covera ge. In addition, 
Indonesia observed that Russia provided greater market access with the enforcement of customs 
procedures regulations, the use of health and sanitary measures, technical standards, and the 
protection of intellectual property. Russia as well  provide s market access and facilitates service 
provider in many areas.  
4.393.   The Russian economy and trading system are improving gradually since the accession. 
Russia enjoys economic growth by reaching GDP of USD 1,464 billion, USD 10,000 GDP per capita, 
as we ll as surplus in trade performance with a world collecting total value of USD 21.7 billion in 
2020. Russia also improved and ranked 28 among 190 economies in the World Bank Doing Business 
Index in 2020 . 
4.394.   For the goods sector, Russia is a powerhouse exporter  of crude petroleum; petroleum oils 
(excluding crude); commodities; gold and coal; and power services sector. It exports 
transportations, other business services , telecommunications, construction, and travel.  
4.395.   With respect of Indonesia's trading partner, Ru ssia ranked 29 for exports destination, 22 for 
imports source, and Indonesia ranked third in terms of Russia trade with ASEAN Members with a 
total trade value of USD 2.1 billion in 2019 and USD 1.9 billion in 2020. The main export products 
from Indonesia t o Russia are palm oil and its fractions; coconut; palm kernel; coffee; natural rubber; 
and cocoa butter, which recorded a total value of USD 864 million in 2019, and USD 973 million in 
2020. While the main import products from Russia to Indonesia are iron or non -alloy steel; coal; WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  minerals; and aircraft launching gear, that recorded total value of USD 1.2 billion in 2019 and 
USD  957 million in 2020.  
4.396.   On the investment, Indonesia has issued more than 200 permanent licences for Russia -
based enterprises or ind ustries with total FDI of USD 38 million since 2019 until 2020.  Based on 
these figures, it is believed that trade and investment between Indonesia and Russia is achieving 
stability and balance.  
4.397.   Indonesia notes that, in addition to its commitment to the rules-based multilateral trading 
system, Russia has pursued extensive cooperation in several free trade areas; as for Indonesia, 
more countries expedited  by establishment of trade cooperation, namely the Intergovernmental 
Indonesian -Russian Joint Commission o n Trade, Econom ic and Technical Cooperation, and Joint 
Working Group between Indonesia and Eurasian Economic Commission; this cooperation indicate s 
world countries ' commitment in ensuring open market and facilitate trade in transparent and non-
discrimination manner in the fields o f trade, industry, investment, energy transportation, 
infrastructure, culture, tourism, technology, and health.  
4.398.   Indonesia has submitted  a number of written questions related to issues of import 
prohibitions , and qu antitative restrictions, tariff preferences, labelling system, tax incentives, as well 
as SPS requirements. We look forward to learn more about a Union -wide "track and trace" system 
for the marking of certain goods , as well as the system product coverage a nd its implementation 
timeline. We note from the Secretariat Report that many Russian non -tariff measures are 
implemented under international convention while other represented national or regional interest s; 
we will be interested in more information on ho w Russia intends to ensure the conformity of these 
non-tariff measures with the WTO obligation.  
4.399.   Indonesia was also asking for more information on the legislative and institutional framework 
for SPS protection in Russia. Indonesia encourage Russia to consi der its conformity to international 
standards and review its SPS measures based on scientific evidence.  
4.400.   Further, Indonesia wishes Russia could provide more information on the EAEU's rationale 
and criteria for granting the Unified System of Tariff Preferenc es. 
4.401.   Russia continues to impose  trade remedy measures to exported products from Indonesia. 
Indonesia observes that currently there is one imposition of safeguard duty on  flat rolled steel 
products. In light of this, Indonesia encourages Russia to remove the  measure once Russian 
domestic industry has been recovered from  injury  as stipulated in  the Agreement on  Safeguards.  
4.402.   Regarding WTO reform  on transparency, Russia intends to ensure that laws and regulations 
must be notified and relevant with WTO provisions in Russia , among other s, fully support the 
proposal regarding selection process to appoint A ppellate Body members to ensure the function of 
the dispute settlement system.  
4.403.   To conclude our remarks, Indonesia will continue to strengthen its cooperation with Russia 
and to engage with it on the multilateral, regional and bilateral fronts. Indonesia, once again, 
appreciates the delegation of Russia for their eminent  work for this review, and we look forward to 
continuing to deepen our bilateral economic and trad e relations.  
4.404.   Finally, Indonesia congratulates and wishes Russia a successful second Trade Policy Review.  
CAMBODIA  
4.405.   Cambodia is pleased to participate in the second  Russian Federation Trade Policy Review and 
warmly welcome the delegation of Russian Federati on, led by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova , Director of 
the Department of Trade Negotiations.  
4.406.   Our special thanks also go the Discussant, H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey , Ambassador of 
Switzerland, for his insightful and constructive remarks. We appreciate the reports prepa red by the 
TPR Secretariat and the Government of the Russian Federation, which outline recent developments 
in the Russian Federation 's trade policies and practices.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.407.   At the outset, Cambodia also associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by Brunei  
Darussalam . 
4.408.   Cambodia applauds Russia for the good economic performance since becoming the official 
WTO Member in 2012 and particularly since the first trade policy review.  
4.409.   We would like to congratulate Russia for maintaining its resilient economic perform ance even 
amidst the threat of the global economic uncertainty and the COVID -19 pandemic. The Russian 
economy continued to grow between 2016 and 2019 at a stable growth at an average of 1.7% during 
2016-2019. Nonetheless, in light of the global pandemic, G DP growth fell to negative 3.0% in 2020.  
4.410.   Cambodia -Russia 's diplomatic relations was officially established on 13 May 1956. Since 
1956, the two nations have cherished relations based on friendship and trust, and mutual interests. 
This year (2021) marks the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the 
two countries.  
4.411.   Bilateral trade between the two countries has risen substantially over the last decade. In 
2020, bilateral trade was USD 63.82 million which was increased 15.26% compa ring to the total 
trade in 2019. From January -July of 2021, bilateral trade has increased sharply at the rate of 61% 
equivalent to USD 60 million.  
4.412.   In terms of Investment, the FDI inflow from Russia to Cambodia has remained minimal. In 
2009, FDI from Russia  amounts to USD 27 million, yet since 2013 that amount has dropped 
remarkably.  
4.413.   However, with Cambodia and the Eurasian Economic Union engaging in free trade agreement 
negotiation since 2017 and with many productive engagements with Russia and other EAEU me mber 
states since then, we look forward to see increase in both trade, investment and economic and 
technical cooperation between Cambodia and Russia in the near future.  
4.414.   We thank and appreciate the delegation of the Russian Federation in Geneva led by His 
Excellency Ambassador Dmitry Lyakishev for their friendship and good cooperation. We commend 
Russian for taking an active part to support the integration of LDCs into the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.415.   In addition, we would like to encourage Russia to provide  other technical assistance to LDCs 
to increase our productive capacity, industrial development and economic transformation to better 
take advantage of the trade preferences provide under the WTO and other trade preferential 
arrangements to better compete and integrate into the world trading system especially during and 
after this COVID -19 pandemic.  
4.416.   We would encourage Russia to expand product coverage and products interest that we are 
exporting to Russia as well as to accelerating Cambodia and EAEU trade ag reement which will 
broaden market access on trade in goods and services, and investment flow.  
4.417.   Finally, we commit to working closely with the Russian Federation and all Members in both 
bilateral and multilateral levels to strengthen our good cooperation for  economic growth and 
development.  We wish the Russian Federation a successful and fruitful conclusion of its second  Trade 
Policy Review.   
MAURITIUS  
4.418.   We welcome the delegation from the Russian Federation led by  Ms Ekaterina Mayorova , 
Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations  of the Ministry of Economic Development of the 
Russian Federation.  
4.419.   We co mmend  the Secretariat and th e Government of the Russian Federation  for their efforts 
to realize  the Trade Policy Review  of the Russia n Federation despite the trying pandemic -related 
challenges.  We would also like to thank  H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey  of Switzerland for his insightful 
remarks as  discussant  to this Trade Policy Review.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.420.   We were glad to note from the TPR report that Russia thr ough its macroeconomic 
stabilization polices and accumulated buffers has managed to mitigate some of the adverse effects 
of the COVID -19 pandemic on its economy. Furthermore, we noted the crucial role that trade played 
in Russia's economic recovery process , which we think shows the importance that the WTO's 
multilateral trading system plays in global trade.   
4.421.   The numerous measures taken by Russia to increase its exports ' competitiveness are 
interesting, to say the least, and we would be happy to learn more a bout the policy development 
objectives of the country. However, we would urge Russia to consider eliminating the possibly non -
WTO-compliant measures, such as import substitution measures, mention ed by the Secretariat.  
4.422.   Mauritius and Russia share a relativel y limited trade relationship; we have seen bilateral 
trade experience highs  and lows during the recent years and understandably the pandemic has 
severely impacted trade volumes between our two countries.  
4.423.   The difficulties encountered to increase trade flow can largely be attributed to distance and 
lack of market knowledge. Nonetheless, our two economies do share some similarities that can be 
traced back to the WTO; we are both supporters of the rules -based multilateral trading system, WTO 
reform; and like Ru ssia, Mauritius also participates in the Joint Statement Initiatives, and has 
endorsed the Buenos Aires Declaration on Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment . 
4.424.   We were, however, quite disappointed when Mauritius was excluded from Russia's GSP 
scheme. Being a small island developing state, Mauritius faces a lot of challenges and remains 
extremely vulnerable to external shocks. Graduating a country on the basis  of per capita income is 
no guarantee that the country has achieved competitiveness across the board and in all sectors.  
4.425.   We therefore call on Eurasia, of which Russia is a leading member, to review the GSP 
graduation conditions to include SIDS  as beneficiaries  based on vulnerability factors rather than on 
per capita income.  
4.426.   That being said, we would welcome the opportunity to work closely with Russia and Eurasia 
to improve our trade and investment relations. We have already expressed to the Eurasian side our 
desire to negotiate a trade agreement and we would greatly facilitate trade from Mauritius and 
Russia. We seize this opportunity to reach a waiver request and hope that it could be favourably 
consider ed in the near future.  
4.427.   To conclude, we would like to thank  the Russian Federation for its contribution to the global 
fight against the pandemic, specially for making vaccines available to developing countries like 
Mauritius. We wish the Russian Federation a successful Trade Policy Review.  
ANGOLA  
4.428.   The delegation o f the Republic of Angola would like to congratulate the Russian Federation 
on the public presentation and debate of its second Trade Policy Review. We acknowledge the 
comprehensive document that reviews, with remarkable openness, the general and thematic t rade 
achievements and challenges, commercial policies, and practices since 2016. It includes a timely 
overview of the latest challenges for the past two years, framed by the global COVID -19 pandemic 
crisis. Angola is particularly impressed by the resilienc e of the Russian Federation 's economy, namely 
due to balanced Fiscal and Monetary Policy.  
4.429.   Angola also takes this opportunity to commend the Secretariat for the well drafted 
document, which is especially efficient in capturing a profound balance of trade p olicies by sector, 
including institutional framework, regulatory changes, novel investment laws, customs duty, and 
taxation, to name just a few.  
4.430.   Angola notes, with interest, the Russian Federation 's commitment to an open and non -
discriminatory trade, favou rable conditions for capital flows and technology, and to the stability and 
predictability of the universal rules of international trade.  
4.431.   We have to agree with the Russian Federation report 's concerns that the growth of the world 
economy has been too ofte n constrained by the replacement of the WTO norms with other unilateral WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  "rules" , together with unfair competition methods, protectionist measures, and recurrent and 
questionable trade wars. Indeed, the politicization of foreign economic and trade relations  is a 
serious issue that must be debated frankly and solved.  
4.432.   The Republic of Angola has enjoyed excellent political and economic cooperation relations 
with the Russian Federation since the beginning of its Independence. In this sense, to give a more 
pragma tic character to bilateral cooperation, the Bilateral Business Council was created, a 
mechanism for monitoring business relations and promote business activities through the creation 
of public -private partnerships, with emphasis in the fields of manufactur ing, agroindustry, fisheries, 
energy, geology and mining, amongst other sectors considered priorities in the context of the 
diversification of Angola's economy.  
4.433.   As you know, Angola is engaged in a rigorous economic diversification process, trying to 
overturn the considerable dependency on crude oil production and exportation. We therefore 
reiterate our invitation to the Russian Federation in order to share its diversification experience in 
building technical capacity in areas crucial for Angola such as, bu siness training, health, higher 
education, sciences and technology, that are in an urgent need of a new impetus.  
4.434.   Finally, Angola recognizes the Russian Federation's engagement in the WTO comprehensive, 
structured, transparent , and inclusive reforms, helping our common institution to meet modern 
challenges, and to contribute to the world economic recovery. Congratulations to the Russian 
Federation in its Policy Review.  
NICARAGUA  
4.435.   En nombre del Gobierno de Nicaragua, deseo unirme a las delegaciones que me han 
precedido, dando la cordial bienvenida a la delegación de la Federación de Rusia, encabezada por la 
Sra. Ekaterina Mayorova y a los demás delegados presentes en esta ocasión para la presentación 
de su Segundo Examen de Polític as Comerciales. Reconocemos el esfuerzo y ardua labor realizada 
por el gobierno de Rusia, que evidencia su compromiso de transparencia respecto a su régimen de 
política comercial en el marco de las normas que rigen la OMC.  
4.436.   Deseamos destacar el fortalecimiento y crecimiento sostenido de la economía de Rusia en 
los últimos años, en gran medida resultado de sus estrategias nacionales y política comercial 
enfocada en una mayor liberalización comercial, la diversificación de su e conomía y la participación 
en procesos de integración regional. Pese al impacto negativo de la pandemia de COVID -19 en el 
comercio internacional, la inestabilidad en el mercado del petróleo y las cadenas de suministro; tal 
como se destaca en los informes, el gobierno ruso mediante la gestión de políticas fiscales y 
monetarias equilibradas logro una marcada estabilidad macroeconómica.  
4.437.   Nicaragua y la Federación de Rusia mantienen estrechas relaciones diplomáticas, 
desarrollando conjuntamente mecanismos de co operación económica -comercial y el intercambio 
científico técnico. En este sentido, en lo que respecta al intercambio comercial, mantiene interés en 
la oferta exportable nicaragüense respecto a productos tales como café oro; maní; entre otros; y 
contribuye  mediante la presencia de inversión extranjera en diferentes sectores económicos, entre 
estos, telecomunicaciones, agrícola, servicios y turismo. De igual manera mantiene relaciones 
comerciales con otros países de la región centroamericana, lo que fortalec e el intercambio regional 
y su acercamiento en el marco del Sistema de Integración Centroamericana. Asimismo, destacamos 
el apoyo para hacer frente a la lucha contra C OVID -19 con el suministro de vacunas y suministros 
farmacéuticos.  
4.438.   Para concluir, es impo rtante resaltar la participación activa de la delegación de Rusia en los 
trabajos ordinarios y de negociación que se llevan a cabo en la OMC lo que demuestra su compromiso 
con el multilateralismo. Finalmente, apreciamos la labor del Ponente y a la Secreta ría por el Informe 
presentado y deseamos éxitos a Rusia en la presentación de su Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
ARMENIA  
4.439.   I would like to join other delegations and on behalf of Armenian delegation welcome the 
second Trade Policy Review of the Russian Feder ation and the Russian Federation  delegation led by 
Ekaterina Mayorova.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.440.   Recognizing the importance of observation and monitoring of the national trade policies we 
strongly support the TPR mechanism aimed at enhancing of transparency and building of confiden ce 
in the multilateral trading system.  
4.441.   This is the second Trade Policy Review of the R ussian Federation  after its accession to the 
WTO and in the years following its accession Russia has made a significant progress in adopting of 
economic reforms and incre ased the openness of its economy for trade and investment.  
4.442.   Armenia and the Russian Federation share long -standing economic and trade ties rooted in 
history. We have very close links in various sectors of economy and despite challenging economic 
conditions , Russia remains to be one of our major trading partners. Russia is strategic partner for 
Armenia both in trade and investment. Thousand companies with Russian capital participation are 
operating in Armenia. Russia is one of the main destinations for Armen ian exports and also is the 
main source of Armenian imports. Trade between our two countries has grown substantially over 
the past decades, and especially after Armenia 's accession into EAEU where we together with the 
Russian Federation  and other EAEU memb ers we are enjoying benefits from being part of the big 
and fast developing market.  
4.443.   The R ussian Federation  is a strong supporter of the multilateral trading system. We very 
much welcome the R ussian Federation  active engagement in the WTO multilateral nego tiations since 
its membership.  
4.444.   Despite all challenges, Russia has shown its commitment to further integration into global 
trading system by undertaking several reforms targeted at foreign trade liberalization, infrastructure 
development and business envir onment improvement.  
4.445.   The Russian Federation has taken various steps to simplify customs procedures and thus 
improve efficiency for both importers and exporters. It has made significant commitments in trade 
in services and as part of its WTO commitments has  liberalized important services sectors.  
4.446.   Russia is a firm believer in the role the WTO has played and will play in providing a rule -based 
approach for the liberalization of international trade.  
4.447.   We do hope that the efforts undertaken by the R ussian Federa tion to modernize and diversify 
its economy will further promote the country on the path of sustainable and inclusive growth.  
4.448.   I would like to express appreciation to the distinguished delegation of the R ussian Federation  
for today's presentation and wish e very success in the Trade Policy Review exercise.  
4.449.   Taking this opportunity, I would like also to thank Ambassador Dmitri Liakishev  and the 
colleagues in the Russian Mission for their constructive engagement with the Armenian delegation 
in Gen eva. 
MYANMAR  
4.450.   Myanmar aligns itself with the ASEAN Statement made by Permanent Representative of 
Brunei Darussalam.  
4.451.   My delegation would like to j oin others in welcoming the Russia Delegation led by 
Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director, Department for Trade Negotiation, Ministry of Economic 
Development of Russia.  
4.452.   Myanmar would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate H.E. Mr Dmitry Lyakishev, 
Permanent Representative of Russia and his team for their hard work and appreciate the insightful 
remarks made by H.E Mr Didier Chambovey, Permanent Representative of Switzerland to WTO.  
4.453.   Our appreciation also goes to the government of Russia and WTO secre tariat for their 
comprehensive reports.  
4.454.   Even though geographically far apart from each other, Myanmar and Russia have enjoyed a 
long history of friendship and goodwill since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948. It is evident WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  that the development of the diplomatic, economic and social relations between our countries is based 
on the mutual -trust and cooperation in various fields including Government to Government 
Cooperation and Business to Business Dialogues.  
4.455.   In reviewing bilateral trade, accordin g to statistics from Myanmar, since 2015 -2016 to date, 
both of our countries are experiencing the steady growth in the bilateral trade volume. In terms of 
investment, Russia ranks 22 among 51 investor countries in Myanmar.  
4.456.   The major import commodities of M yanmar from Russia are petroleum products, fertilizer, 
wheat, industrial oilseeds, rubber raw materials, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. The major export 
items of Myanmar to Russia are garment, rice, pulses and beans.  
4.457.   Myanmar acknowledges the accelerated e conomic growth rate of Russia in 2018 reaching to 
2.8% as compared to 2016. We are pleased to note that according to anticipation from OECD and 
IMF, Russia economy is estimated to grow again in 2021 and 2022 in the range of 2.8% to 4.4%.  
4.458.   We are also pleased to note that increased liberalization and facilitation measures of Russia 
in its Trade in Goods, investment regime and economic diversification programmes such as 
"Development of Foreign Economic Activity " since its first Trade Policy R eview.  
4.459.   In this connection, we appreciated the World Bank 's rating of Russia as the 28 position 
among 190 economies in terms of ease of doing business in 2020.  
4.460.   Myanmar appreciates Russia 's support in Multilateral Trading System by providing various 
assista nce programmes in cooperation with other international organizations, by granting tariff 
preferences for developing countries and LDCs, by supporting acceding members especially LDCs 
and actively taking part in WTO negotiations, Joint Statement Initiatives  and WTO Reform Process.  
4.461.   In conclusion, Myanmar wishes to express its appreciation for Russia 's commitments in 
Multilateral Trading System through active participation in WTO, regional cooperation such as 
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), G -20, APEC, BRICS, ASEAN , and Shanghai Cooperation 
Organization (SCO). We look forward to more cooperation with Russia in our bilateral trade relation 
and in the Multilateral Trading System. I wish Russia every success in its second  Trade Policy Review  
process.   
HONDURAS  
4.462.   En representación del Estado de Honduras le damos la más cordial bienvenida a la 
señora  Ekaterina Mayorova, Directora del Departamento de Negociaciones Comerciales del 
Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico y a toda su delegación. Nuestro agradecimiento a la Fede ración 
de Rusia por su informe y su declaración.  
4.463.   Igualmente, nuestro reconocimiento a usted Presidenta, a la Secretaría y al ponente, por 
sus declaraciones, informes y valoraciones.  
4.464.   La República de Honduras y la Federación de Rusia tomaron la sabia decisión de formalizar 
sus vínculos a través del establecimiento de relaciones diplomáticas hace más tres décadas y desde 
entonces, nuestra amistad se ha estrechado cada día más, facilitando un intercambio dinámico y 
creciente en importantes ámbitos como e l político, la cooperación, la seguridad, la educación, la 
ciencia y la tecnología, por mencionar algunos.  
4.465.   Esta armoniosa relación, se ha enmarcado en el respeto recíproco, la coincidencia en el 
mantenimiento de la paz y en el seno de esta casa, por el apo yo a un sistema multilateral de 
comercio basado en normas, al que ambos consideramos esenciales para asegurar un entorno 
comercial internacional transparente, no discriminatorio, estable y previsible.  
4.466.   Es por estas razones, que aprovechamos para expresar nu estro profundo agradecimiento al 
pueblo y Gobierno de la Federación de Rusia, por sus constantes muestras de solidaridad, que han 
contribuido al bienestar de nuestro país, incluido el traslado de 40 mil dosis de la vacuna rusa Sputnik 
V contra la COVID -19 así como la ayuda rusa en la respuesta a desastres naturales sufridos por 
nuestro país.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.467.   En cuanto a nuestro comercio bilateral, para el 2020, exportamos USD 15 millones en 
productos tales como café; prendas y complementos de vestir; hortalizas y tubérculos  alimenticios; 
entre otros, las cuales tuvieron una tasa de crecimiento entre 2016 -2020 del 3%.  
4.468.   Por otro lado, importamos USD 56 millones en abonos, fundición, hierro, acero y productos 
químicos inorgánicos entre otros.  
4.469.   En lo que concierne a los informes examinados, nos complace observar que la mayor parte 
del período objeto de examen se demuestra la existencia de un superávit fiscal, una baja tasa de 
inflación y amplias reservas internacionales entre algunos indicadores y que la Federación de Rusia, 
se ma ntuvo en la onceava posición de la clasificación mundial en cuanto al PIB nominal y en la sexta 
posición de la clasificación mundial en lo que respecta al PIB medido por la paridad del poder 
adquisitivo.  
4.470.   Los informes resaltan que durante el período compren dido entre 2016 y 2020 hubo un 
cambio gradual en la estructura de la economía rusa hacia el desarrollo innovador y el nivel de 
innovación de las organizaciones aumentó al 9,1% en 2019 y la participación en el PIB de los 
sectores de productos de alta tecnol ogía y con un uso intensivo de conocimientos aumentó al 23,4% 
en 2020.  
4.471.   Tomamos nota de la Estrategia de Desarrollo de la Sociedad de la Información en la 
Federación de Rusia para 2017 -2030, donde se hace hincapié en la importancia de facilitar el 
desarroll o armonioso del comercio electrónico y se prevé la utilización de mecanismos destinados a 
proteger a los ciudadanos contra los productos falsificados, la elaboración de legislación para 
proteger y fomentar la competencia, la aplicación de un régimen fiscal  equitativo a las empresas, la 
garantía de la transparencia de los pagos transfronterizos y la protección de los derechos de los 
consumidores en la red de información y comunicación de internet entre otros.  
4.472.   Finalmente, agradecemos por esta nueva oportunid ad de participar en la evaluación y 
examen de las políticas y prácticas comerciales de la Federación de Rusia, al mismo tiempo que le 
deseamos el mayor de los éxitos en la presentación de su segundo Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
JAMAICA  
4.473.   Jamaica congratu lates the Russian Federation on this its second Trade Policy Review and 
extends a warm welcome to its distinguished delegation led by Ms. Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of 
the Department of Trade Negotiations, in the Ministry of Economic Development. We than k the 
delegation for its detailed report. Jamaica extends thanks to you, Chair, and our discussant, 
Ambassador Didier Chambovey for his balanced and insightful perspectives. We also commend the 
Secretariat for its comprehensive report.  
4.474.   This year, 2021, Jam aica and the Russian Federation celebrated 46 years of friendly 
relations, built on shared values and mutual respect. Our countries have collaborated in various 
fields ranging from tourism, language training and cultural exchanges, mining and industry, and  
trade. We look forward to further strengthening of these relations at the bilateral and multilateral 
levels.  
4.475.   With its vast landmass, natural resources, and high human capital, the Russian Federation 
is an extraordinary country. It currently stands as the world 's eleventh largest economy and still has 
much latent potential. We note that during the period 2003 to 2012, Russia recorded robust 
economic growth at an average annual rate of 4.8%. In the following period, however, GDP 
contracted; this coincided wi th the onset of several external shocks, including unstable movements 
in global oil prices and the COVID -19 pandemic. Yet, the Russian economy has consistently 
weathered each storm. The report further indicates that GDP growth for 2021 is expected to be 
3.8%. Against this background, the Government 's ability to implement sound macroeconomic 
stabilization policies should be commended.  
4.476.   It has been observed that, consistent with its national development objectives, Russia has 
steadily pursued the promotion an d diversification of its non -energy exports. It is noted that last 
year, the Government set a target of 70% real growth in exports of non -energy goods by 2030. In 
addition, the Government has sought to strengthen the legislative frameworks to support trade  and WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  improve the business environment. Continued action to enhance efficiency and streamlining of 
customs procedures and requirements; promote foreign investment; expand e -commerce; improve 
transparency in public procurement among others should be supporte d. 
4.477.   The continued diversification of the economy and development of other areas will augur well 
for the expansion of the economy and foster deeper integration into the global trade system. We 
note the observation by the Secretariat that participation in glo bal value chains could contribute to 
the achievement of Russia 's long -term development goals and encourage action by the Government 
towards that end.  
4.478.   Jamaica welcomes the continued high priority that the Russian Federation attaches to its 
participation in  the rules -based multilateral trading system, underpinned by the WTO. We note that 
Russia is a party to several WTO Agreements, including the Agreement on Trade Facilitation, and 
actively contributes to the work of the Organisation. We commend Ambassador D mitry Lyakishev 
and his team for their continued engagement in the deliberations on issues on the WTO agenda; 
among these, have been the discussions on the response to COVID -19 pandemic, the ongoing 
fisheries subsidies negotiations, the reform of the WTO, and the dispute settlement mechanism.  
4.479.   Russia has accorded great importance to empowering women to participate in trade; this is 
also a policy prerogative of Jamaica. In this respect, Jamaica applauds Russia’s endorsement of the 
Buenos Aires Declaration on  Trade and Women’s Economic Empowerment, and involvement in the 
work of the Informal Working Group on Trade and Gender. Jamaica further welcomes Russia 's 
proactive approach to outlining its priorities for the impending 12th WTO Ministerial scheduled for 
November 2021.  
4.480.   Russia has made significant strides since its accession to the WTO in 2012. Jamaica believes 
that there is tremendous scope and opportunity for Russia to contribute to the further expansion of 
global trade and strengthening of the multilatera l trading system. We look forward to working closely 
with the delegation in this regard and wish the Russian Federation a very successful Trade Policy 
Review.  
SRI LANKA  
4.481.   My delegation welcomes the delegation of the Russian Federation led by Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations of the Ministry of Economic 
Development for the second review of the trade policies and practices of the Russian Federation.  
4.482.   We thank His Excellency Mr Didier Chambovey , the Ambassador of Switzerland as the 
Discussant, for his report and insights, and the WTO Secretariat and the Government of the Russian 
Federation for their comprehensive reports made available to the delegations in advance of this 
meeting.  
4.483.   We realize th at Russia is not an exception and similar to that of those countries, it has also 
faced a significant slowdown in economic activity during the lockdown period as well as it continues 
to face several challenges that hinder the full realization of its potent ial as a participant in 
international trade. We acknowledge the steps taken by Russia to overcome the impediments, in 
particular the measures implemented to stabilize its domestic epidemiological situation.  
4.484.   Consequent to the last review, Russia has introd uced and made significant legal changes in 
an array of areas, in particular in customs procedures and requirements, export duties and taxes, 
export support, public procurement, foreign investment, competition, protection of intellectual 
property, mining an d energy, financial services, and telecommunications services, which are also 
commendable.  
4.485.   Russia considers the WTO as a unique forum and considers that it has no alternatives, which 
serves as the platform for the development of multilateral international  rules, common for all 
participants in the world trade. In this context, Sri Lanka appreciates active involvement of the 
Russian Federation in the discussions on domestic support in agriculture, eliminating agricultural 
safeguards, tariff quota allocation,  enhancing transparency of applied import custom duties and 
negotiations on fishery subsidies. Further, we note that Russia is an active member in the discussion 
of all four Joint Statement Initiatives, in Trade and Women's Economic Empowerment and Informa l WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  Working Group on Trade and Gender. Its proposals on the MC12 package also provide welcome 
narratives.  
4.486.   On bilateral economic cooperation, the Russia was the 15th export market and the 16th 
import partner for Sri Lanka. Russian Federation was the 7th larg est source of tourist traffic to Sri 
Lanka in 2019 with a share of 4.5 % of total traffic received in 2019.  
4.487.   Since 2010, the Russian Generalized Scheme of Preferences (GSP) Scheme has been 
granting preferential tariffs for 65 items for the exports of certai n developing countries, including 
Sri Lanka. Under the Russian GSP, Sri Lanka enjoys 25% of tariff reduction from the current customs 
duty rate. According to the available statistics more than 80% of Sri Lanka exports to Russia have 
been covered under the GSP scheme, during the last five years.  
4.488.   Sri Lanka -Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and 
Technical Cooperation (IGC) established in 2015, plays a vital role in strengthening the trade and 
economic relations between the two countries. The Sessions of IGC were a platform to discuss on 
promoting trade, investment and tourism, and the Russia 's capacity building and technical 
cooperation initiatives have helped industries in Sri Lanka. A Number of proposals have also been 
tabled at the preparatory meeting of the IGC held recently, in particular to develop the agriculture 
and fisheries sectors i n the country, including capacity building and technical assistance from Russia. 
Sri Lanka is thankful for Russia in extending its willingness to offer the cooperation towards the 
development of these sectors in Sri Lanka.  
4.489.   While acknowledging such coopera tion extended towards Sri Lanka in various sectors, my 
delegation wishes to draw the attention of the Russian delegation on the difficulties being 
encountered by Sri Lankan exporters when entering the Russian market. The gems stones and 
jewellery sector of  Sri Lanka had not been able to gain access to the Russian market due to high 
import duties (10 -15%) and strict rules and regulations. Despite the fact, that gems exporters of Sri 
Lanka had Carnet Certificates issued by the National Gem and Jewellery Autho rity or the 
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) of Sri Lanka, according to carnet holders, the Russian 
Customs Service pointed on the need of making a deposit up front in the amount equivalent to 100% 
of price of product and applicable customs duties o f the Russian Federation at the point of entry.  
4.490.   My delegation appreciates the Russia 's favourable consideration on this matter and come up 
with an appropriate solution that would pave the way to remove such non -tariff barriers in order to 
enhance bilateral  trade between two countries in the future.  
4.491.   In concluding, my delegation appreciates Russia 's highly valued contribution to the 
multilateral trade system and its active engagement in the negotiations. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador Mr Dmitry Lyakish ev, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the 
WTO and his very able and dynamic team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of 
the WTO, is highly commendable.  
4.492.   We wish Russian delegation a successful deliberation and product ive outcomes on its Trade 
Policy Review.  
TAJIKISTAN  
4.493.   Tajikistan is pleased to participate in the second  Trade Policy Review of the Russian 
Federation and would like to warmly welcome entire delegation of the Russian Federation led by 
Ms Ekaterina Mayorova – Director of the Department of trade negotiations, Ministry of Economic 
Development and would also like to congratulate the Russian delegation, Secretariat team for the 
reports prepared for this meeting and discussant H.E. Ambassador Didier Chambovey of Sw itzerland 
for his comments.  
4.494.   Tajikistan and Russia are historically linked by centuries -old tradition, close interaction and 
friendship people, deep interpenetration of cultures. Russia is one of the first countries recognized 
independence and the sovereig nty of Tajikistan.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.495.   In May 2021 during the meeting in Moscow, President of Tajikistan , Emomali Rahmon , and 
President of Russia , Vladimir Putin , discussed topical issues of Tajik -Russian strategic partnership 
with an emphasis on trade, economy, investment, and other areas of cooperation.  
4.496.   Russia is the main trading partner of Tajikistan. The expansion of trade cooperation is in the 
interest of both states and contributes to the development of trade relations between Tajikistan and 
Russia. For eight months of  2021, the volume of mutual foreign trade turnover with the Russian 
Federation amounted to USD 764.4 million and increased compared to the same period of 2020 by 
USD 116.3 million or by 18%. Exports of goods to Russia from Tajikistan for this period amount ed 
to USD 34 million and imports amounted to USD 730.4 million. The share of trade with the Russian 
Federation in the total foreign trade turnover of the Republic of Tajikistan for this period was 18.8%.  
4.497.   During the review period the economy of the Russia demonstrated stable growth and real 
GDP growth averaged 1.7% in 2016 -19. In 2020, the economy contracted by 3%, due to the impact 
of the COVID -19 pandemic and disruption of the global oil markets.  
4.498.   Russia is a party to the ITA and accepted the TFA in 2016. Russia takes an active part in 
negotiations on WTO reform, fisheries subsidies, agriculture, e -commerce, investment facilitation 
for development, domestic regulation in services, MSMEs and Gender issues.  
4.499.   My delegation acknowledges Russia 's continued pursu it of trade liberalization and its 
contribution to and constructive involvement in the WTO negotiations. We are confident that Russia 
will continue to undertake further trade and structural reforms to maintain an open WTO consistent 
trade regime to secure sustainable growth. In conclusion I wish Russia a very productive and 
successful Trade Policy Review.  
PANAMÁ  
4.500.   Deseo ante todo saludar y felicitar atentamente a Su Excelencia Ekaterina Mayorva, 
Directora del Departamento de Negociaciones Comerciales, Ministe rio de Desarrollo Económico de 
la Federación de Rusia, y a toda la delegación rusa por su destacada preparación. A su vez, deseo 
agradecer al Embajador Didier Chambovey de Suiza, Ponente en este segundo Examen , por sus 
comentarios esclarecedores que nos ayudan a evaluar las políticas comerciales de Rusia. Además, 
agradezco a la Secretaría por preparar los respectivos reportes.  
4.501.   La Federación de Rusia es un importante socio de Panamá tanto en los ámbitos de 
cooperación internacional y la comercial. En los últimos cinco años, el intercambio comercial entre 
nuestros países osciló entre USD 7.2 y USD 28.7 millones. Entre los principales productos exportados 
se destacan la piña, el café tostado descafeinado, dátiles,  aguacates, cacao en grano; entre otros. 
Por su parte, Rusia exporta hacia Panamá en su mayoría minerales y productos químicos.  
4.502.   Señora Presidente, nos complace conocer que desde su último examen en la época pos crisis 
financiera, Rusia ha logrado una estab ilidad macroeconómica destacada por haber controlado la 
inflación, tener un bajo nivel de deuda pública y amplias reservas de divisas. Si bien la tasa de 
crecimiento potencial había disminuido marginalmente en la última década, el FMI prevé un 
crecimiento del PIB del 3.8% para el 2021.  
4.503.   Sin embargo, notamos la sostenida dependencia de la economía rusa al petróleo, como fuera 
evidenciado durante la pandemia de la COVID -19 en que las perturbaciones a las cadenas de 
suministro mundial afectaron los indicadores macroeconómicos del país debido a la caída del precio 
del petróleo. En ese sentido, aplaudimos los más recientes esfuerzos de Rusia de integrarse en 
mayor medida a las cadenas mundiales de producción, valor, y logística.  
4.504.   Por otro lado, reconocemos los esfu erzos de Rusia por apoyar a otros sectores de su 
economía como lo son las Pymes. Los llamados Objetivos de Desarrollo Nacional de la Federación 
de Rusia hasta 2030 son cónsonos con los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible de la ONU y con los 
Acuerdos de la O MC. Le deseamos éxito con este plan, cuya implementación sin duda repercutirá 
positivamente en sus socios comerciales y fortalecerá el sistema multilateral de comercio.  
4.505.   Señora Presidente, Rusia constituye un importante actor en la comunidad internacional y  
desempeña una acción cardinal en la solución de los diversos y complejos problemas que atraviesa WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  la humanidad, tal como lo muestra su gran contribución científica en la fabricación de la vacuna 
Sputnik V contra la COVID -19. En este escenario, de resultado s positivos en la relación entre ambas 
naciones, Panamá reitera la plena disposición de seguir trabajando conjuntamente para fortalecer 
los lazos que históricamente nos han unido.  
4.506.   Queremos felicitar a Rusia por su activa participación en el sistema multila teral de comercio. 
Compartimos varias prioridades en la OMC; por ejemplo: como integrantes del Grupo de Miembros 
del Artículo 12, obramos por mayor paridad entre los compromisos adquiridos por los Miembros que 
se adhirieron a la OMC bajo el Art. XII del Ac uerdo de Marrakech, y los de sus Miembros originales. 
Rusia también juega un importante papel en las negociaciones sobre subvenciones a la pesca, y las 
Adhesiones a la OMC.  
4.507.   Les deseamos éxito a Rusia en este examen y deseamos destacar la admirable gestión de 
su delegación en Ginebra encabezada por el Embajador Dmitry Lyakishev.  
PAKISTAN  
4.508.   We warmly welcome the Russian delegation led by Her Excellency Ms Ekaterina Mayorova at 
this second T rade Policy Review  of the Russian Federation. Our thanks go to the discussant 
H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey for his thoughtful comments for the discussions on this TPR as well as to 
the Secretariat for their work on this T rade Policy Review . 
4.509.   The Russ ian economy continues to register a positive growth during the period under review 
except last year due to the health pandemic. Such sustained economic growth is testimony to the 
outstanding reforms both at national, regional and multilateral levels that t he Russian Federation 
has implemented. The reforms made at various areas of the Russian economy are impressive and 
will certainly sail the Russian Federation smoothly through the adverse effects of the pandemic.  
4.510.   First, the sound and effective trade policy  the R ussian Federation  has embarked upon to 
diversify its economy and to lessen its dependency on hydrocarbons. Several measures have been 
implemented to this effect, among others, a sound monetary and fiscal policy, improvement of the 
business and invest ment environment, improving the competition policy, facilitating foreign 
investments and improving its Intellectual property regulations.  
4.511.   Second, the integration of the Russian Federation into the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic 
Union (EAEU Treaty) has als o contributed to the development of its economy as several polic ies were 
undertaken in different areas as a result of this regional integration.  
4.512.   Third, at the multilateral level, the Russian Federation is staunch supporter of the multilateral 
trading syste m. It plays a key role in the restoration of the Appellate Body system, in the 
safeguarding of the interests of the developing countries especially in view of the WTO reforms and 
in ensuring that development remains the fundamental pillar of the WTO. Such active participation 
of the Russian Federation is thanks to its Geneva mission team led by H.E . Mr Dmitry Lyakishev.  
4.513.   Furthermore, at the global level the importance of the Russian Federation economy cannot 
be downplayed. Its economic policies have therefor e tremendous impacts. To this regard, we wish 
to highlight some of the key facts of our bilateral relations with the Russian Federation.  
4.514.   The total bilateral Trade between Pakistan and Russia stands at close to USD 1 billion with 
a trade balance in favour of Russia. During Pakistan 's fiscal year 2020 -21 we exported around 
USD 180 million worth of goods to Russia. Main items include citrus fruit, leather apparel & clothing, 
and textile made -ups and garments.  
4.515.   Pakistan 's cooperation with Russia extends to vari ous sectors of the economy and Pakistan 
finds Russia to be an important partner in the region. Russia has offered assistance in the past to 
Pakistan in areas of Steel, and energy, and installation of power plants. Pakistan and Russia have 
also signed some Memorandum of Understandings in various fields of Oil and Gas exploration, and 
potential investments in these areas are already being discussed. In the end, we thank once again 
the delegation of Russia and wish them a very fruitful T rade Policy Review . 
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  NEPAL  
4.516.   At the outset, I would like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of the Russian 
Federation headed by Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, 
Ministry of Economic Development and commend her insightful presentat ion on trade policy review 
of Russia this morning.  
4.517.   My delegation thanks H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey, Ambassador of Switzerland for his remarks 
as discussant of this review.  
4.518.   I wish to extend sincere appreciation to the Government of Russian Federation and th e WTO 
Secretariat for their comprehensive reports.  
4.519.   Both the reports indicate that Russian Federation demonstrated its continued commitments 
to fair, predictable, transparent, and rule -based multilateral trading system under the auspices of 
the WTO, which i s much appreciated.  
4.520.   The willingness to integrate its economy, and further liberalizing trade and investment 
regimes through involvement in regional, bilateral, and other international fora is commendable.  
4.521.   I take good note of the success of Russia to devis e appropriate economic and social policy 
tools for the containment, prevention, and treatment of C OVID -19 pandemic and to keep the 
economic impact of the same pandemic at the minimum level. That showed comparatively resilient 
economic environment maintaine d by the Russian Federation through stable economic policies.  
4.522.   Russia 's effective mitigation of impact of declining and volatile oil prices and other external 
developments, especially through the floating exchange rate regime, and a new fiscal rule remained  
commendable.  
4.523.   New development objectives and goals remained effective in participation in the global value 
chains, productivity growth, quality of jobs, and poverty reduction.  
4.524.   Managing adverse shocks of the COVID -19 pandemic through macroeconomic stabili zation 
policies and accumulated buffers remained appreciated.  
4.525.   Similarly, my delegation commends all the legal reforms including in the areas of customs 
procedures and requirements, export duties and taxes, public procurement, foreign investment, 
competiti on, protection of intellectual property, mining and energy, financial services, and 
telecommunications services over the review period.  
4.526.   I hope the newly adopted strategies, national projects, and state programmes, and 
amendment to the constitution, among others would be instrumental in harnessing potential socio -
economic prosperity in future.  
4.527.   Furthermore, reform initiatives undertaken to transit the national economy towards digital 
and inclusive one are also noteworthy.  
4.528.   While turning to the bilateral fron t, Nepal and Russian Federation have been enjoying cordial 
and cooperative relations in various fields since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1956. Both 
the countries have residential diplomatic presence in each other’s capital cities.  
4.529.   The two coun tries have signed an agreement on the Abolition of Visa Requirements for the 
Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports.  
4.530.   Regular exchanges of high -level visits have further strengthened our bilateral ties from 
governments to people -to-people level in different dimensions of socio -economic development.  
4.531.   My delegation appreciates Russian Federation for extending economic and t echnical 
cooperation since 1959 in development process of Nepal, in particular in the areas of building 
physical and industrial infrastructure, health, hydropower, road, and human capacity building, 
among others.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.532.   Cooperation between the two countries span s to the economic, trade, investment and 
tourism and culture and even people to people level in modern days.  
4.533.   Bilateral trade between two countries is growing over the past decade.  
4.534.   The preliminary data reveals that Nepal imported goods from Russia worth o f NPR 1.7 billion 
while exported to Russia worth of just N PR 136 million in the year 2020 resulting huge trade gap of 
NPR 1.56 billion.  
4.535.   Bridging this huge trade imbalance is a challenge for Nepal. However, such situation could 
be an opportunity to further  enhance our bilateral economic cooperation focusing on bridging the 
trade gap in the days ahead.  
4.536.   My delegation views that the potentialities of bilateral cooperation between Nepal and Russia 
in the fields of economic, trade and investment, technology, to urism and culture and also in 
people -to-people level are yet to be well explored and materialized.  
4.537.   In this regard, I would like to reassure the delegation of the Russian Federation that my 
delegation stands ready to engage and consult with delegation of Ru ssian Federation for 
strengthening the bilateral cooperation and collaboration in future.  
4.538.   I believe that the steps as reflected in the government report would be instrumental in 
preventing deepening of the crisis situation in international trade, reforming the WTO functioning, 
improving investment climate, increasing transparency and predictabi lity of the business 
environment in Russia, and reducing costs incurred by economic operators, including MSMEs and 
enhancing economic and social advancement of Russia in future. Finally, I wish a successful 
conclusion of the second trade policy review of t he Russian Federation.  
URUGUAY  
4.539.   Uruguay desea brindar la más calurosa bienvenida a la delegación de la Federación de Rusia, 
encabezada por la Directora del Departamento de Negociaciones Comerciales, Ekaterina Mayorova, 
en oportunidad del segundo examen de sus políticas comerciales. Agradecemos el notable trabajo 
realizado tanto por la Secretaría como por la Federación de Rusia en la elaboración de los respectivos 
informes y felicitamos al Embajador Chambovey  por su informe de alta calidad.  
4.540.   Por otra parte, m e permito reconocer el compromiso de la Federación de Rusia con el sistema 
multilateral de comercio que se ve reflejado en el destacado liderazgo del Embajador Dmitry 
Lyakishev y su equipo en los trabajos de la OMC.  
4.541.   Al igual que el resto del mundo, la econ omía de la Federación de Rusia se vio fuertemente 
afectada por la COVID -19. Bajo estas circunstancias, la Federación de Rusia ha reiterado la 
importancia que le da a mantener un régimen comercial abierto, fomentar la competencia y prestar 
apoyo a las mipym es como respuesta a la pandemia. Asimismo, notamos que las políticas de 
estabilización macroeconómica y las reservas acumuladas han permitido a Rusia gestionar los 
efectos de las conmociones adversas.  
4.542.   Uruguay reconoce los esfuerzos de la Federación de Rusi a por reducir los derechos de aduana 
en el marco de los compromisos contraídos en el marco de la OMC y a los efectos de crear las 
condiciones necesarias para la integración efectiva de Rusia en la economía mundial. Asimismo, 
notamos las mejoras en la admin istración aduanera a fin de eliminar los obstáculos innecesarios, la 
automatización de las operaciones aduaneras y la reducción del tiempo necesario para el levante de 
las mercaderías con miras a mejorar las condiciones para hacer negocios.  
4.543.   A nivel bilater al, tenemos una relación de larga data visto que las relaciones diplomáticas 
fueron establecidas en el año 1857. Hoy en día Rusia ocupa el séptimo lugar entre los socios 
comerciales del Uruguay. La balanza comercial ha sido tradicionalmente superavitaria p ara Uruguay, 
presentando una concentración en productos de alimentación. A este relacionamiento bilateral, 
tenemos que sumar el vínculo como bloque que se lleva a cabo a través de las conversaciones entre 
el MERCOSUR y la Unión Económica Euroasiática. Dura nte la reunión del Consejo Mercado Común 
que se llevó a cabo en Montevideo en diciembre de 2018, se firmó un Memorándum de Cooperación WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  Económica y Comercial entre ambos bloques. Abogamos por continuar profundizando nuestras 
relaciones bilaterales, anclada en la confianza y la cooperación económica.  
4.544.   La Federación de Rusia y Uruguay coinciden en el gran valor atribuido a la OMC y la función 
central de la misma en el sistema multilateral de comercio basado en normas, así como en la 
necesidad de alcanzar resul tados significativos en la Duodécima Conferencia Ministerial. Ambos 
reconocemos que apoyar y contribuir al sistema multilateral de comercio, mejorar la cooperación 
comercial y promover una política comercial inclusiva y sostenible será clave para navegar e n el 
panorama económico posterior a la pandemia.  
4.545.   Asimismo, me permito reconocer el liderazgo de la Federación de Rusia en el Grupo MIPYMES 
de la OMC. Notamos que Rusia presta especial atención a las cuestiones relativas a la transparencia 
y a garantizar qu e se tengan en cuenta los intereses de las mipymes en el proceso de elaboración 
de normas. En efecto, Rusia y Uruguay fueron autores de una de las seis recomendaciones aprobadas 
en diciembre de 2020, que tenían por finalidad promover la inclusión de las mi pymes en la 
elaboración de reglamentos, en particular llevando a cabo una evaluación del impacto centrada en 
las mipymes y ofreciendo a esas empresas más oportunidades para formular observaciones y 
celebrar consultas sobre posibles medidas.  
4.546.   Para finalizar,  quisiéramos reiterar nuestra apreciación por este nuevo ejercicio de 
intercambio sobre las prácticas comerciales de la Federación de Rusia, y esperamos seguir 
cooperando con Rusia en todos los frentes: bilateral, regional y aquí en la OMC. Gracias y mis 
mejores deseos para un examen exitoso.  
BANGLADESH  
4.547.   At the outset, the Bangladesh delegation welcomes Ms Ekaterina Mayorova , Director of the 
Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development and Head of Delegation – for 
her introductory prese ntation at the second Trade Policy Review of the Russian Federation. 
Bangladesh delegation also thanks H.E. Mr Didier Chambovey , Ambassador and P ermanent 
Representative  of Switzerland , for his insightful discussions. Our sincere appreciations also go to th e 
Government of the Russian Federation and the WTO Secretariat for the comprehensive reports.  
4.548.   During the period under review, we have noted that the Government of the Russian 
Federation has focused on carrying out many structural reforms including ensuring  inclusive growth. 
The fundamentals of the Russian economy remain strong, and this has ensured macroeconomic 
stability. Inflation is within limits and FDI inflows have increased significantly. We applaud the 
Government of the Russian Federation for the var ious reform measures that it has adopted in its 
trade and investment related areas. Since Russa's first and last Trade Policy Review in 2018, the 
Russian economy has been a major driver of global growth. Real GDP growth in the Russian 
Federation averaged 1 .7% in 2016 -19, compared with 4.8% in 2003 -12. Prudent management 
resulted in macroeconomic stability, as evidenced by the existence of a fiscal surplus during most of 
the review period, a low inflation rate, and ample international reserves.  
4.549.   The Russian Federation managed to mitigate the impact of declining and volatile oil prices 
and other external developments, notably through the floating exchange rate regime, and a new 
fiscal rule. At the same time, the consistent decline in the rate of potential econ omic growth since 
the financial crisis has drawn attention to certain structural issues with respect to productivity and 
economic diversification, as discussed in a recent World Bank study. New national development 
objectives and related national projects were adopted in 2018 and revised in 2020, which aim to 
improve the Russian Federation's long term economic growth and development performance. It has 
been observed that participation in global value chains can contribute to the achievement of these 
new dev elopment goals because of its positive effect on productivity growth, quality of jobs, and 
poverty reduction.  
4.550.   The Russian economy has contracted by 3% in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID -19 
pandemic and the related disruption of the global oil markets,  which has resulted in a substantial 
increase in unemployment. Macroeconomic stabilization policies and accumulated buffers have 
enabled the Russian Federation to manage the impact of these adverse shocks. For 2021, the IMF 
expects GDP growth of 3.8%. The Bank of Russia paused its accommodative policy actions in 
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  rates close to the key rate. Since March 2021, the Bank of Russia has increased the key rate severa l 
times in response to intensifying inflationary pressures.  
4.551.   As one of the important trading and development partners, Bangladesh is delighted to note 
the great strides that Russian Federation has made in recent years. We enjoy excellent bilateral 
trade and  economic relations. Bangladesh highly values its relationship with Russia which happens 
to be one of its largest trading and development partner. Bangladesh exported goods worth 
USD 665.31 million to Russia against the imports of USD 466.70 million in the fiscal year 2020-21. 
Bangladesh delegation appreciates Russian Federation’s cooperation with Bangladesh in different 
sectors, particularly in building Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant.  
4.552.   To conclude, Madam Chair, we wish the delegation of R ussia a productive and successful 
Trade Policy Review . My delegation will continue to work closely with the Russian delegation, led by 
H.E. Mr. Dmitry Lyakishev, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to strengthen multilateral 
trading system as well as e nhance our bilateral trade ties.  
EGYPT   
4.553.   Egypt joins previous speakers in extending a very warm welcome to the Russian delegation 
led by  H.E. Ms Ekaterina Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry 
of Economic Development.  
4.554.   We also thank Ambassador Didier Chambove y for his insightful comments as a discussant 
and express our appreciation to the Russian Federation and the WTO Secretariat for their detailed 
reports.  
4.555.   Egypt starts by applauding the Russian government for its succe ss in maintaining 
macroeconomic stability, reasonable inflation rates, high foreign currencies reserves, as well as fiscal 
and current account surpluses throughout the review period, despite the heavy impact and adverse 
shocks due to COVID -19 pandemic and disruption in the global oil market.  
4.556.   Egypt also  underscores the wide legislative reforms in various trade  and economic fields, 
including those of customs procedures, investment, intellectual property, e -commerce, and some 
vital services sectors.  
4.557.    In additi on, Russia was able to reduce its simple average MFN applied tariff rates from 8.3% 
to 7.9% across the last five years, although the applied rate on agriculture products remains higher 
than those on non -agriculture lines, we encourage Russia to continue li beralizing trade and 
enhancing its business environment.  
4.558.   The Secretariat report highlights some important national strategies, policies, and 
program mes adopted by the Russian government in recent years in continuation with its economic 
and structural refor ms, the world's economic diversification as well as promoting competition and 
innovation,  sustained commitment to such strategies is key to help the Russian government reap 
the exact fruits of their efforts.  
4.559.   We agree with the Secretariat on the Russians ' strong support for the multilateral trading 
system, evidencing its active engagement and contributions regarding WTO reform discussions, as 
well as its general positive record in submitting timely notifications.  
4.560.   Egypt and Russia share long -standing cordial relation s that developed over the years into a 
close and trusted partnership on all fronts including trade, economic, and cultural exchange. In fact, 
Russia is one of the Egypt's  top 10  trading partners . 
4.561.   Bilateral trade generally witness ed an increased in levies, reaching USD 6.2 billion by 2019, 
with agricultural products contributing to half of these figures. Egypt mainly imports wheat, minerals, 
cars, oil, and gas from Russia; and exports citrus fruits, potatoes, and onions in the other direction.  
4.562.   We wel come the Mutual Recognition Agreement concluded in October 2020 by the veterinary 
authorities in Egypt and Russia, which accelerated the registration of companies trading in meat, 
poultry, fish, and dair y products on both sides.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.563.   We also praise the Russian decision, in March 2021, to lift three -year-old import restrictions 
of potatoes from three main production sites in Egypt.  
4.564.   As for investment, accumulated Russian direct investment in Egypt approached USD 8 billion 
by 2020, most notably in energy, infrastr ucture, agriculture, and tourism sectors.  
4.565.   We take good note of this positive trend, yet we believe there is much potential to further 
develop our trade relations. In this regard Egypt looks forwards to conclusion of a free trade 
agreement with the Eurasia n Customs Union.  
4.566.   In addition, we trust that the expansion of the Russian Industrial Zone with the Suez Canal 
Economic Zone shall trigger  our economic relations to even more advance d horizons.  
4.567.   Finally, Egypt wishes Russia a successful conclusion of its policy review and looks forward to 
continuing to promot e our economic bilateral relations.   
SERBIA  
4.568.   Please allow me to welcome the Russian Federation delegation led by Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Dire ctor of the Department for Trade Negotiations within the Ministry of Economic 
Development.  
4.569.   I would like to thank H.E. Didier Chambove y for his insightful reviews and to commend 
H.E. Dmitry Lyakichev and his team for the work in the WTO, but also for the co operation between 
our two Missions.  
4.570.   Bilateral relations between the Republic of Serbia and the Russian Federation are considered 
as very good, based on strategic partnership and broad consensus on important bilateral and 
international issues.  
4.571.   On this basi s, our two countries have been developing a fruitful cooperation in many fields, 
where trade and economic cooperation play a prominent role.  
4.572.   Russian Federation is considered as one of the most important trading partners for the 
Serbian economy.  
4.573.   Since 2000 , trade between our two countries have been realized on the basis of bilateral 
free trade agreement, which has provided free trade access for almost 99% of tariff lines.  
4.574.   Positive effect of this bilateral FTA can be illustrated by the rise of the Serbian ex ports to the 
Russian Federation, which almost doubled in 2020 in comparison to 2008.  
4.575.   In 2020, the Russian Federation was the fourth biggest foreign trade partner of the Republic 
of Serbia. It was ranked as sixth biggest partner in exports and fourth on th e imports side.  
4.576.   Despite fall of 6.8%, exports to the Russian Federation reached  USD 0.9 billion in 2020. At 
the same time, the value of imported goods originated in Russia amounted to USD 1.6 billion.  
4.577.   However, in the first 8 months of the 2021, exports to  Russian Federation recovered and 
15.8% rise was recorded in comparison to the same period last year.  
4.578.   Following the formation and expansion of the Eurasian Economic Union, bilateral free trade 
agreements which Serbia had with Russian Federation, Belarus a nd Kazakhstan were renegotiated 
and replaced by a single FTA between the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states on one 
side and the Republic of Serbia on the other.  
4.579.   This agreement, signed in October 2019, entered into force on 10 July this year. Wh ile 
preserving the existing level of liberalization, the Agreement extended the free trade regime to 
Armenia and Kyrgyzstan – two new members of the Eurasian Economic Union.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  4.580.   It is expected that this updated FTA, based on WTO rules, will allow further positive 
development of trade and economic cooperation between Serbia and EAEU members and will 
encourage new investment in Serbian economy.  
4.581.   The Republic of Serbia and the Russian  Federation have good cooperation in multilateral fora 
as well.  
4.582.   In the context of Serbia 's accession to the WTO, Serbia appreciates constructive approach 
of the Russian Federation in this process.  In conclusion, we wish the Russian Federation a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE RUSSI AN FEDERATION AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  I would like to sincerely thank the Membership for the active participation in this TPR. The 
number of interventions by Member from all continents repres ented in the WTO indicates that 
Russia’s involvement in global trade and our trade policy, as well as WTO involvement, are of certain 
relevance. That, for sure,  elevates our sense of responsibility for the future of the multilateral trading 
system and for our part in this system.  
5.2.  I would like to outline several outcomes of this TPR, as I see them.  
5.3.  First, we are very pleased with overall positive assessment of our bilateral trade and investment 
cooperation with most participating Members. This is particularl y encouraging in the difficult times 
we all face today. Our partners are interested in Russian goods and services, and at the same time 
Russia’s market maintains its attractiveness for their exporters and investors. For us, it means that 
the WTO that provi ded the basis for such successful development of our bilateral relations 
throughout the years of our Membership has proven its value; and our core interest is for the 
organization to overcome any hurdles and challenges.  
5.4.  Second, we appreciate Members ' highly positive assessment of Russia 's role in the WTO 
negotiations. Indeed, we try to do our best to be active and constructive. And in this context, I would 
like to confirm that our lagging with submitting draft schedule on domestic regulation track should 
not be taken as loss of interest. This is mostly due to certain hick -ups in the internal procedures 
which are caused by the pandemic situation. We will do our best to catch up. On fisheries – Russia 
supports the conclusion of the negotiations by MC12 and, in  this respect, we currently make strong 
efforts towards finding solutions on outstanding issues.  
5.5.  Third, we are thankful for all the comments and questions that we have received during this 
TPR. Most of them were very precise and pragmatic. We consider the task to duly address them as 
our immediate duty. Some of the issues raised were not a surprise for us. However, based on the 
Members ' average assessment, the WTO rules continue to shape Russia’s domestic framework and 
improves business environment.  
5.6.  Now, l et me comment on some particular points, highlighted by the Members.  
5.7.  We were happy to hear positive assessments on Russia 's steady efforts to diversify its 
economy. Russian Government agrees that there is still much work to be done to decrease the 
dependen ce on hydrocarbons. The target has been set to increase by 70% by 2030, a non – 
commodity, non -energy export compared to 2020. The forecasted share of oil and gas export in 
2024 is expected to be 45 .1% compared to 51 .4% in 2022.  
5.8.  We received confirmation fr om the Membership that we are on the right track with our 
macroeconomic, monetary and fiscal policies. They indeed allowed our country to keep economic 
stability in these turbulent times. However, as noted by many Members, high inflation remains a 
serious challenge putting increasing pressure on Russian citizens’ wallets. The Government’s prices 
stabilization measures were the key tools to improve this situation.  
5.9.  On tariffs. Russia 's tariff peaks and structure – are not out of the ordinary. Most Members us e 
same methods to secure their agricultural and industrial development in case of sensitive products.  
5.10.   As regards subsidies. Governmental support policy creates incentives for production of 
industrial and agricultural goods. The strategic long -term goal is  to ensure food security, progressive 
economic development and solid improvement of business environment. Vital role of subsidies is 
widely recognized, especially with the rise of COVID -19 pandemic and energy transition. The WTO 
rulebook does not ban subsi dies entirely, but envisage "the box scheme " to distinguish and prohibit 
only the subsidies that are distorting trade by their very design. Subsidies provided to Russian 
enterprises comply with the WTO rules. Russia stands for prohibition of all forms of e xport subsidies, 
including in agriculture. We implemented this commitment even before our accession to the WTO.  
5.11.   There were a lot of critics of Russian import substitution programs. I will try again to provide 
simple explanations of what this policy is abou t. WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  5.12.   Imagine, an international production chain to build a passenger aircraft. You have invested 
billions in this project. But suddenly your partner from U.S. rejects to supply wings – on the basis 
of instructions of his government. You have basically two op tions. Option 1 is to stop this project 
and lose money you invested. Option 2 is to develop the wings by yourself and continue the project. 
For us this is not a hypothetical situation – that is exactly what happened with MS -21 aircraft. We 
chose the second  option, using WTO -friendly instruments. This is an example of import substitution 
forced by politics.  
5.13.   Another example. You limit access to foreign products to your government procurement 
because you want to spend your money, money of your taxpayers for d evelopment of your economy. 
That is fully consistent with your WTO commitments. Nothing in the WTO requires you to spend 
country’s budget abroad. Access of same products to your domestic market is not limited.  
5.14.   We are ready to change these rules of governm ent procurement on reciprocal basis within 
the framework of GPA. We think it is legal and it is fair.  
5.15.   One may call it import substitution, reshoring or protection of critical supplies. What matters 
is that one acts in accordance with the rules. That is exa ctly what we do and will continue to do.  
5.16.   Shortly on governmental involvement in the economy. In Russia, all forms of property are 
equal. If private property is more effective – state has no reason to artificially support its market 
positions. But sometimes  state companies do the job better. In Russia this is relevant in particular 
for energy distribution. However, the biggest and richest state -owned or state -sponsored enterprises 
are not in Russia. Not in Europe. They are on the other side of the Atlantic. Our aim in the WTO is 
to secure fair level playing field and that is what we are trying to do.  
5.17.   On investment regime. We believe, in complicated global environment undermined by raise 
in protectionism, trade wars, disruptions in GVCs, nonetheless, welcomes foreign investors. Russia 
continues to introduce new measures promoting FDIs and adapting its legal framework to provide 
guarantees for investors. The instruments of investment promotion and protection agreements give 
additional stability guarantees for es tablished companies and their projects within our countries. We 
invite companies from all the Members to enjoy various regional programs and incentives that special 
economic zones and territories of advanced socio -economic development have to offer. Russia  
recognizes importance of FDIs. At the same time when reviewing national policies regarding its FDI 
regime, Russia has to take into account new risks that arise in the current circumstances. Therefore, 
Russia attempts to maintain a healthy balance between "localization " policies and the design of the 
restrictions applied in respect of foreign investments.  
5.18.   We have received a number of questions regarding the Track and Trace system. The System 
is necessary to fight against counterfeiting and smuggling. Its op eration is stable, due to preparatory 
work done between the Government and business community (both Russian and foreign). As for 
traceability regime, the system does not cover the products subject to Track and Trace. The regime 
is based on electronic docum ent management and aims to ensure payment of taxes.  
5.19.   Some comments were made on certain elements of the EAEU trade policy. Permit me to 
highlight that the Union is indeed a complex mechanism, the integration process is on -going. If there 
are concerns with s ome specific requirements or procedures applied in the Union, we will be ready 
to consider them in consultation with our EAEU partners so that our integration may be improved 
and deepened further.  
5.20.   There was a number of questions on Russia 's SPS regulation.  We continuously harmonize our 
SPS measures with international standards. I say "continuously " as these standards are not set in 
stone and constantly evolve. Russia regularly notifies its SPS measures in full conformity with its 
obligations. Since our accession, we have notified in total 330 SPS measures. Therefore, to be frank, 
we fail to understa nd specific elements that are of concern to Members raising this matter.  
5.21.   As regards intellectual property, the EAEU Treaty harmonized basic provisions of IP protection 
of the EAEU Member States. Russia's regime on IPR fully complies with the Treaty and pro vides even 
a higher level of protection. The work of collective management organizations is effective and 
transparent. Such organizations are subject to audit and are obliged to disclose information 
pertaining to their activities, applicable fees and the p rocedures for collecting and remuneration WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  payment. We would also like to reiterate strong commitments of the Russian Federation to combat 
Internet piracy. Restricting access to the "mirrors" websites, networks and applications with pirated 
content are amon g new mechanisms that contribute to this task.  
5.22.   On the combat against corruption, Russia continues to take comprehensive action both at the 
law-making and enforcement stages. We have solid anti -corruption legislation in place. Potentially 
corrupt practices are prevented at all stages of law -making throu ghout constant public review of 
draft legal acts. Since the last TPR more than 160 thousand corruption -related episodes, with 
multiple high -profile examples, resulted in criminal penalties and measures aiming to ensure 
manageable redress for those who were  affected. Besides digitalization efforts, that eliminate human 
factors; preventive measures, including prevention of conflicts of interests, strong independent 
courts play important role in our combat with corruption.  
5.23.   On customs. I would like to thank Me mbers for their positive assessments of Russia 's 
achievements in trade facilitation. Customs procedures in the Russian Federation are implemented 
through application of International Standards and Practices administered at the World Customs 
Organization an d its' partnering international organizations. The Union and National legislation are 
fully aligned with international agreements and recommendations. Please, be assured that Russian 
Customs Authorities do not request deposit when goods are accompanied wit h internationally agreed 
form of Carnet ATA.  
5.24.   Once again, we appreciate this opportunity to engage with Members on the whole range of 
Russia 's policies that are relevant to our trading partners. We take this exercise very seriously, 
together with all the w ork under the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. We are grateful for all concerns 
and questions raised. We believe this will help us to make our trade policy better for the benefit of 
our economy and people.  Thank you very much for your attention.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.25.   Madam Chair, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, good morning to you on this second day 
of the Russia 's Trade Policy Review.  
5.26.   Let me first congratulate Director Mayorova and her team for the outstanding work 
accomplished. I commend them for having responded to more than 1 ,000 questions.  
5.27.   That Russia matters to all of us became apparent from the high number of Members who took 
the floor on the first day. The general tenor of the statements has shown that Russia’s trade and 
investment policies are taken seriousl y and studied carefully in our capitals. Moreover, it also shows 
the degree to which the Russian Federation has become a key Member of the multilateral trading 
system in the nine years since its accession to the WTO.  
5.28.   How can one sum up our discussions and do it justice in light of the wide spectrum of different 
interventions? It is indeed not an easy task although some recurrent themes and issues have 
emerged. Allow me to share my attempt.  
5.29.   The WTO did much for the Russian Federation. It offered the country a predictable framework 
for what we may call a first phase of internal reform. It helped Russia to derive tangible benefits, 
such as rendering its agriculture sector more efficient. The accession to the WTO - and with it the 
adoption of the multilateral fr amework for the conduct of international trade - opened many doors 
for Russia.  
5.30.   Several Members stressed that they are enjoying good and growing trade relations with Russia 
and that they see a real potential in the Russian market. However, a number of memb ers pointed 
out that bilateral trade - despite tariff reductions - remained below expectations and still has 
potential to grow. Attention was drawn to customs procedures, which can be cumbersome for trade 
operators. In this regard, Members mentioned, among st others, complex licensing procedures. 
Moreover, regulatory requirements, in particular in the area of SPS, were amongst the reasons why 
Member were not able to realize the full potential of their trade relations with the Russian Federation.  
5.31.   Conversely,  Russia did also much for the WTO. The engagement in our organization and its 
negotiating bodies was applauded. Russia is an important and active player of the multilateral trading WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  system and its contributions to the various streams of work taking place un der the auspices of our 
organization is highly appreciated.  
5.32.   My impression is that the initial two points I raised in my first statement – (1) diversifying 
exports and (2) inducing competition and dynamism into the economy – were in line with the 
observatio ns made by Members and the priorities highlighted by the Russian delegation. The 
importance of the two objectives is undisputed. Russia is firmly committed to promoting 
development and diversification of its economy, expanding the variety and geographical coverage 
of its exports, and attracting foreign investment. Yet, the assessment and perception of the approach 
adopted by the Russian Federation to achieve those objectives differ among the multifaceted 
Membership of the WTO.  
5.33.   In general, we have to admit,  there is no shared view by Members on what constitutes fair 
competition or a level -playing field. We all have different types of economic models, differing 
frameworks for trade and investment. Nevertheless, at the center of this diverse universe, is the 
common belief in the virtues of market forces. The calls for more openness and liberalization from 
Members did therefore not come as a surprise.  
5.34.   Several Members have noted that Russia's policies are increasingly characterized by a retreat 
to localization r equirements, to domestic preferences based on import substitution policies. Those 
Members argued that import substitution policies are not in line with the objectives and principles of 
the WTO. They held the view that import substitution stands in the way of sustainable production 
and export diversification and the integration into the global value chains. In addition, they felt that 
SOEs remain an obstacle to the efficient functioning of the market. Some Members also noted that 
GPA accession would contribu te to enhancing competition and the level -playing field.  
5.35.   Director Mayorova explained that there is no intention of isolating the Russian economy. 
Restrictions on imports and export subsidies are not only intended to reduce dependency on foreign 
countries b ut also to diversify the domestic production structure and render it more competitive. 
Such measures are deemed necessary as a reaction to sanctions and to the current impact of the 
pandemic.  
5.36.   These policies have been implemented for some time now. And it may be time to take stock 
and draw lessons. In particular, to assess whether the direction taken so far is conducive to the 
expected result. I mentioned in my introductory statement on Wednesday that the World Bank’s 
assessment showed mixed results. The Ru ssian Federation may wish to reevaluate its options. To 
assess whether a policy that facilitates trade and investment would not be more efficient. Even if, 
as in the case of Russia, constraints arising from the political environment can influence economic 
policies.  
5.37.   The move towards greater openness, when accompanied by appropriate macroeconomic, 
structural and social policies, can be successful. Russia, like many other WTO Members, has certainly 
pondered what is the best choice. It is primarily up to the Ru ssian authorities to determine whether 
they intend to continue along the current path or whether they want to embark on a path of openness 
and increased international competition that would be more in line with the principles underlying the 
WTO.  
5.38.   Director Mayorova highlighted that Russia is undertaking new measures promoting FDI and 
is adapting its legal framework to provide guarantees for investors. I can only encourage Russia to 
continue in this way.  
5.39.   Lastly, I would like to mention that the EAEU drew a lo t of attention. Many Members welcomed 
the outreach by the Russian Federation and the Eurasian Economic Union to tighten trade 
relationships. One can therefore expect that the EAEU will become a more important player in the 
field of FTAs.  
5.40.   I am confident tha t this TPR will provide additional food for thoughts. Not only to the Russian 
Federation, but to the entire Membership.  
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  REPÚBLICA BOLIVARIANA DE VENEZUELA  
5.41.   La delegación de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela desea dar una cálida bienvenida a la 
Delegac ión de la República de la Federación de Rusia encabezada por la Directora del Departamento 
de negociaciones comerciales, Ministerio de Desarrollo Económico, Sra. Ekaterina Mayorova, así 
como agradecer al Ponente, Embajador de Suiza, Sr. Didier Chambovey, p or el análisis presentado 
que nos coloca en contexto y también a la Secretaría por la organización y documentación.  
5.42.   Iniciamos nuestra intervención destacando los lazos de hermandad y de cooperación 
comercial estratégica que nos unen con Rusia, los cuales s e encuentran en la actualidad en su más 
alto nivel. Al respecto, complace informar que la semana pasada celebramos la XV Comisión 
Intergubernamental de Alto Nivel (CIAN) Venezuela y Rusia, que concluyó con la firma de nueve 
instrumentos jurídicos y de coop eración. En materia comercial, acordamos fortalecer las alianzas 
estratégicas en sectores como la agroalimentación, la industria y la pesca, en particular el impulso 
que se pueda brindar al sector del camarón en Venezuela. Esta actividad se complementó con  un 
foro empresarial bilateral celebrado en Moscú, donde estuvieron presentes empresas venezolanas 
que buscan colocar ofertas exportables en el mercado ruso y otras que pueden importar materias 
primas para aprovechar capacidades instaladas en Venezuela. As imismo, el empresariado de la 
Federación de Rusia expresó interés en invertir y crear empresas mixtas en sectores como el de las 
altas tecnologías.  
5.43.   Destacamos que la Federación de Rusia desde su anterior examen de política comercial se ha 
mantenido en la senda de la diversificación económica y ha proseguido sus esfuerzos por aumentar 
el atractivo de las inversiones en el mercado interno, mejorar los i nstrumentos legislativos, respaldar 
y desarrollar el sistema multilateral de comercio y luchar contra el proteccionismo comercial (en 
forma, por ejemplo, de restricciones comerciales unilaterales). Venezuela y Rusia comparten su 
oposición al unilateralismo  y al proteccionismo, en especial las ilegales medidas coercitivas 
unilaterales, que algunos sectores mundiales usan para avanzar en sus fines políticos, excluyendo a 
más de un tercio de la humanidad, y generando gran sufrimiento y dolor a los Estados que somos 
directamente afectados.  
5.44.   En estos años de ataque y agresión contra Venezuela, la Federación de Rusia no solo alzó la 
voz con nuestro país y con el pueblo venezolano en todos los foros internacionales, incluido esta 
Organización, en defensa de la sobe ranía venezolana y del derecho internacional, sino que en lo 
concreto nuestra cooperación comercial y energética, así como muchos otros ámbitos económicos, 
se ha fortalecido.  
5.45.   Al igual que otros países, Rusia sufrió una importante desaceleración de su activ idad 
económica durante el período de confinamiento. Sin embargo, ello no afectó su tradicional política 
de solidaridad, evidenciada a través del apoyo pleno de Rusia a la cooperación mundial en la lucha 
contra la COVID -19. Aprovechamos la oportunidad de ex tender el agradecimiento de nuestro pueblo 
y del Gobierno venezolano por la generosa donación de vacunas Sputnik V, las cuales han servido 
para proteger y garantizar la salud de millones de venezolanos en tan penoso momento. Esta misma 
semana el Fondo de I nversiones Directas de Rusia (FIDR) hizo efectivo el suministro a Venezuela de 
713,000 dosis del segundo componente de la vacuna anti -COVID Sputnik V que se suman a los 3.86 
millones de dosis de Sputnik V ya recibidos.  
5.46.   Antes de culminar, deseamos felicitar  también al Embajador Dmitry Lyakishev, Representante 
Permanente de la Federación de Rusia ante la OMC, y al equipo de profesionales que le acompañan, 
por sus esfuerzos y contribuciones a los trabajos llevados a cabo en esta Organización, así como su 
apoyo  a nuestra Delegación en este Foro.  
5.47.   La República Bolivariana de Venezuela reitera sus mejores deseos al hermano pueblo y 
Gobierno de la Federación de Rusia, al tiempo que envía sus más sinceras felicitaciones por un 
exitoso examen de política comercial, en  el que reafirmamos nuestra mejor voluntad de fortalecer 
los lazos comerciales con ese país, así como el compromiso compartido con la conformación de un 
sistema de comercio multilateral, robusto, solidario, justo y predecible, basado en normas comunes 
y transparentes.  
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  BELARUS  
5.48.   I'd like to extend my warm welcome to the delegation of the Russian Federation led by H.E.  Ms 
Ekaterina Mayorova . As we all know the great work has been done and we appreciate the efforts of 
the government of the Russian Federation to prepare this Trade policy review. Our appreciation also 
goes to the Chairperson of our today’s event, Ambassador Athaliah Molokomme o f Botswana for her 
able leadership of our current discussion and to the Discussant, Ambassador Didier Chambovey of 
Switzerland , as well as to the WTO Secretariat for their valuable insights.  
5.49.   Russia is the major trading partner of Belarus. During the last y ears Belarus ' bilateral trade 
with Russia in goods amounted to nearly  USD 30 billion annually, which represents about a half 
commodity turnover of Belarus. As well, Belarus and Russia share great services turnover that 
amounted to more than USD 12 billion and forms one third of Belarus ' total foreign trade in services. 
Our two -way flow of investments has also recently demonstrated significant numbers. The value of 
foreign direct investments in 2020 from Belarus to Russia reached nearly USD 3.1 billion, and from 
Russia to Belarus – nearly  USD 2.8 billion.  
5.50.   In 2015 , Belarus and Russia together with Kazakhstan founded the Eurasian Economic Union 
that was later joined by Armenia and the Kyrgyz Republic. The EAEU Treaty is fully based on the 
WTO Agreement and impl ements all WTO principles concerning trade with the third countries. 
Non-discrimination, transparency and open business environment are the core values shared by the 
EAEU Member States.  
5.51.   Since the last TPR of Russia in 2016 the EAEU Member States have cont inued to work on 
further trade facilitation including simplifying of customs procedures, export and import regulations, 
increasing transparency of application of SPS and TBT measures, as well as improving of the 
regulation of TRIPS and TRIMS and other issu es of common interests in order to provide free trade 
flows among the EAEU Member States and the outer world.  
5.52.   We are also grateful to the Russian Federation for their constructive approach to Belarus’ 
accession to the WTO and their contribution to the succ essful finalization of this process. Belarus is 
looking forward to becoming a full -fledged Member of the Trade policy review body upon our 
accession to the WTO in the foreseeable future.  Finally, I wish the Russian delegation every success 
in completing th is Trade Policy Review . 
UZBEKISTAN  
5.53.   I am pleased to deliver a statement on behalf of Uzbekistan on the second  Trade Policy Review 
of Russian Federation.  
5.54.   Uzbekistan warmly welcomes the delegation of the Russian Federation, led by the Director of 
the Trade Ne gotiations Department of the Ministry of Economy Her Excellency Madame Ekaterina 
Mayorova.  
5.55.   We thank the Government of Russian Federation and WTO Secretariat for the Report and 
huge work done to hold this Review. We would also like to thank the Discussant, H.E. Mr Didier 
Chambovey for his comments.  
5.56.   Uzbekistan and Russia have very close historical relations, comprehensive bilateral and 
regional cooperation in various fields.  
5.57.   Relations between our countries have successfully passed the test of three decades of  
independent development and today it is dynamically developing. Regular contacts and continues 
engagement at the highest level between two Governments is contributing to the development of 
mutual trade -economic and investment cooperation.  
5.58.   We have a free t rade regime and good dynamics of trade turnover. Despite the fact, that last 
year there was a slight decrease in the mutual trade due to the COVID -19 pandemic, according to 
the results of nine months of this year, the trade turnover increased by 26% and am ounted more 
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  5.59.   In the region, Uzbekistan is one of the leading exporters of textile, agricultural products and 
various services to the market of Russian Federation, and in this context further expansion of close 
trade cooperation between t wo countries is an important investment in ensuring the well -being of 
people and business entities.  
5.60.   We welcome the positive changes made by the Russian Federation since its last Trade Policy 
Review in 2016.  
5.61.   As an acceding country, we appreciate the support  of the Russian Federation provided to 
Uzbekistan 's accession process and look forward to comprehensive support in future accession 
developments of our country.  
5.62.   We highly appreciate the technical assistance of Russian Federation being provided to the 
acces sion process of Uzbekistan within the Project "Aid for Trade in Uzbekistan " jointly implemented 
by Russian Federation and United Nations Development Program.  
5.63.   For the last two years within the Project, we organized a series of seminars and trainings 
aimed a t strengthening the knowledge and skills of the members of Negotiation Group on the 
Uzbekistan 's accession to WTO.  To conclude, I would like to wish Russian Federation a successful 
Trade Policy Review.  
TCHAD AU NOM DU GROUPE DES PMA  
5.64.   Au nom du Groupe des P MA, la République du Tchad souhaite féliciter vivement la délégation 
de la Fédération de Russie conduite par d’imminentes personnalités pour son examen des politiques 
commerciales à l’OMC. Nous saluons le rôle de l’Ambassadeur de la Russie auprès de l’OMC et toute 
son équipe en ce qui concerne le renforcement du système commercial multilatéral. Nous félicitons 
également l’Ambassadeur de la Suisse pour son travail réalisé en tant que présentateur, ainsi que 
le Secrétariat de l’OMC pour l’établissement du rap port d'examen de politique commerciale.  
5.65.   La Russie est un acteur important du commerce mondial. Selon le rapport du Secrétariat , la 
croissance du PIB réel de la Fédération de Russie a été de 1,7% en moyenne entre 2016 et 2019, 
contre 4,8% entre 2003 et 2012. Une gestion prudente a permis d'aboutir à la stabilité 
macroéconomique, comme en témoignent l'excédent budgétaire  enregistré pendant la majeure 
partie de la période à l'examen, le faible taux d'inflation et de vastes réserves internationales.  
5.66.   La Féd ération de Russie est parvenue à atténuer l'incidence de la baisse et de la volatilité des 
prix du pétrole et d'autres évolutions externes, notamment au moyen du régime de taux de change 
flottant et d'une nouvelle règle budgétaire. Dans le même temps, le r ecul constant du taux de 
croissance économique potentielle depuis la crise financière a mis en lumière certains problèmes 
structurels en termes de productivité et de diversification économique, comme l'a signalé une 
récente étude de la Banque mondiale.  
5.67.   La Fédération de Russie a continué de promouvoir le remplacement des importations en 
appliquant divers instruments, notamment la réglementation des marchés publics et en adoptant 
des mesures qui encouragent les entreprises à implanter leur production sur le territoire national. 
Les droits d'exportation ont été supprimés pour les produits relevant de 235 lignes tarifaires, et 
réduits pour divers autres produits.   
5.68.   Comme le souligne le rapport du Secrétariat, et malgré le  ralentissement récent et temporaire 
de ses taux de croissance économique, la Russie demeure l'un des principaux acteurs de la 
croissance mondiale. L'essor rapide de l'économie Russe observé tout au long des dernières 
décennies est guidé par des réformes importantes.  
5.69.   Comme le reste des Membres de l’OMC, la Russie fait face à une situation économique 
délicate, du fait des effets de la pandémie de COVID -19 qui continuent d'affecter diverses régions 
du monde. La Russie est un membre actif et important du système commercial multilatéral, soucieux 
de renforcer le système et d'aider à la réalisation de ses objectifs, tels que mentionnés dans le 
préambule de l'accord de Marrakech.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  5.70.   La Russie est également un partenaire important et actif de la coopération sud -sud. Nous la 
remercions de son soutien appor té aux PMA. S’agissant des relations commerciales avec les PMA, la 
Russie est un partenaire important des PMA.  
5.71.   Les préférences accordées par la Russie aux PMA touchent aussi bien l’accès au marché en 
franchise de droits et sans contingent pour des marchand ises, qu'un accès facilité pour les 
fournisseurs de services, issus de PMA, de même que la mise en place de règles d’origine 
préférentielles répondant à la décision de Nairobi en 2015.  
5.72.   Ce sont des éléments de traitement spécial et différencié fondamentaux  pour notre Groupe, 
en reconnaissance des contraintes et des difficultés particulières auxquelles nous faisons face et qui 
visent à faciliter notre intégration au commerce mondial.  
5.73.   Nous espérons que les acquis pourront se consolider dans le futur. Le Group e des PMA 
apprécie vivement les soutiens que la Russie est en mesure d’apporter aux PMA dans le cadre des 
négociations en cours à l’OMC et dans le cadre des travaux des organes ordinaires, mais également 
l’appui au programme du cadre intégré renforcé.  
5.74.   Les PMA escomptent un approfondissement fructueux de leurs relations de commerce avec la 
Russie. Le Groupe des PMA saisit cette occasion pour renouveler ses félicitations à la Russie pour 
ses initiatives et ses réformes engagées. Nous lui souhaitons un plein s uccès dans l’avenir et dans 
le cadre de cet Examen des politiques commerciales.  
EUROPEAN UNION  
5.75.   The EU would like to thank the Russian delegation for the replies to the EU 's advance written 
questions and all delegations for participating in this important T rade Policy Review.  
5.76.   The review has provided an opportunity for Russia to reaffirm its commitment to an open, 
non-discriminatory and transparent multilateral trading system to the WTO membership.  
5.77.   As was highlighted by a number of delegations, the Russian F ederation reiterated its 
commitment to a reform aimed at preserving the WTO 's role in maintaining and developing new 
trade rules. The EU welcomes these commitments which become increasingly important given the 
current challenges faced by the multilateral t rading system.  
5.78.   At the same time, the EU has not been alone in bringing attention to the need for the Russian 
Federation to adhere, without reservations, to the core spirit of the WTO – that is to say, free and 
fair trade - and to review the way it currentl y interprets its WTO commitments.  
5.79.   I reiterate the EU 's appreciation for the Russian Federation work in replying in the short time 
available to the 166 questions posed from our side. It is apparent through its replies, that the Russian 
Federation considers  import substitution - including numerous measures which confer advantages 
to local products and services which are not granted to their potential competitors from abroad - to 
be compatible with its current WTO commitments. This is an interpretation that t he EU cannot share.  
5.80.   As an example, in discussing the economics of the on -going pandemic, the Russian Federation 
makes reference to the fragility of the existing global value chains and the need to make them more 
resilient. The EU fully agrees with the Russ ian Federation on this point. But the solution to the 
challenge does not lie in import substitution - which suppresses the benefits of division of labour – 
but rather diversified trade, from different sources precisely so as to spread risk of supply failur e 
from a single or limited provider s. 
5.81.   The EU would invite the Russian Federation to reconsider the true benefits that diversification 
and welfare of a level -playing field for all WTO Members would bring to its economy and its people, 
and set aside the impo rt substitution policy which it has been brandishing up to now. Together with 
a renewed effort to accede to the Government Procurement Agreement, these steps would send a 
very strong, and welcome, signal not only concerning its commitment to the WTO foundi ng 
principles, but equally to its future evolution.  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  5.82.   On this positive outlook, allow me to take the opportunity to welcome the recently announced 
steps taken by Russia to accede to the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement on Appellations of Origin 
and Geograp hical Indications.  
5.83.   In concluding, I would like to express once more the EU's appreciation to the whole delegation 
of the Russian Federation for their participation and valuable contributions to this Trade Policy 
Review.   
UNITED STATES  
5.84.   Thank you Chair and t hank you to all other members of Russia 's delegation. We appreciate 
Russia 's engagement on Day 1 and their summary response and comments today.  
5.85.   We have provided some additional follow up questions and look forward to receiving responses 
in due course. We join others in congratulating Russia on a successful TPR review.  
UNITED KINGDOM  
5.86.   The United Kingdom thanks the Russian Federation for their active participation in this Trade 
Policy Review and for the prompt answers to the UK 's questions.  
5.87.   Having reviewed t he answers provided by the Russian Federation, the UK has submitted two 
follow -up questions. We look forward to the Russian Federation response within the usual timeframe.  
  WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  The second Trade Policy Review of the Russian Federation has allowed us to better understand 
and discuss recent developments regarding trade, economic, and investment policies in the Russian 
Federation. 5 6 delegations took the floor, which demonstrates the importance Members attach to 
the revi ew of the policies and practices of the Russian Federation. 1,017 advance written questions 
were submitted by Members, with additional questions submitted during and following the first day 
of our meeting.  
6.2.  I would like to thank the delegation of the Russi an Federation, headed by Ms Ekaterina 
Mayorova, Director of the Department of Trade Negotiations, Ministry of Economic Development, for 
their constructive participation in this exercise.  
6.3.  I would like to express my gratitude to our discussant, His Excellen cy Ambassador Didier 
Chambovey of Switzerland, for his insightful remarks touching on macroeconomic and other 
developments, remaining trade and trade -related challenges, and the role the TPRM can play in 
overcoming these.  
6.4.  I would like to thank the delegat ions that took the floor for their valuable contributions to this 
Review. Members commended the Russian Federation for its stable and resilient economic 
performance since the previous Review in 2016, including measures taken to stabilize the banking 
sector . They particularly stressed the effective macroeconomic and monetary policies undertaken, 
and the demonstrated resilience to the economic consequences of the COVID -19 pandemic, as well 
as to volatile energy markets. Some Members commented on policies aime d at diversifying the 
economy and addressing structural impediments to economic growth.  
6.5.  Members also positively noted a number of policy reforms undertaken by the Russian 
Federation affecting, among others, trade facilitation, import tariffs and export dut ies, competition 
policy, protection of IPRs, and supporting MSMEs. Regarding trade facilitation, Members highlighted 
reforms to improve customs procedures and requirements in areas such as risk management, 
automation, electronic documents, and reducing cle arance times.  
6.6.  While Members appreciated the overall reduction in MFN tariffs, they nevertheless encouraged 
the Russian Federation to further simplify the tariff structure. Members expressed the hope that the 
Russian Federation would continue to deepen the  reforms and to ensure that any new policies, 
regulations, and reforms would be in line with its WTO commitments.  
6.7.  Many Members stressed the Russian Federation's strong involvement in, and support of, the 
multilateral trading system. They highlighted the co nstructive engagement of the Russian Federation 
in the discussions around WTO reform, preparations for MC12, fisheries subsidies negotiations, the 
four Joint Statement Initiatives, and trade and gender.  
6.8.  Regarding the JSI on Services Domestic Regulations, some Members encouraged the Russian 
Federation to swiftly submit its draft schedule of commitments. Members also encouraged the 
Russian Federation to complete its process of accession to the Agreement on Government 
Procurement in the near future.  
6.9.  Members expressed their desire for the Russian Federation to continue its leadership role at 
the WTO. In this regard, they welcomed the stated commitment by the Russian Federation to the 
rules-based multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.  
6.10.   Some Member s also commended the Russian Federation for its support to developing 
countries, for example, through the delivery of COVID -19 vaccines. In this regard, Members also 
emphasized the importance of trade preferences under the Generalized System of Preferences . 
6.11.   Import substitution, localization policies, and local content requirements, especially in the 
context of public procurement, were issues raised by many Members. They were particularly 
interested in the impact such policies can have on trade, FDI, product ivity, and the integration of 
the Russian Federation into global value chains. Members encouraged the Russian Federation to 
review such policies in light of WTO principles and the process of its accession to the Agreement on 
Government Procurement. For som e Members, these policies were representative of a broader set WT/TPR/W/199  
 
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  of policies that they perceived as discriminatory and reducing predictability, transparency, and 
competition.  
6.12.   Members commended the Russian Federation for the reforms undertaken to improve the  
business and investment environment, for example, the introduction of a "regulatory guillotine" 
mechanism, and the establishment of key conditions for electronic commerce. Members also 
expressed concerns regarding the remaining challenges in this area.  
6.13.   Thus, in addition to the recent increase in restrictions on FDI, Members identified several 
factors as potentially having a negative effect on the conditions of doing business in the Russian 
Federation. These include governance and other rule -of-law issues,  the dominant position of the 
State in key sectors of the economy and the lack of transparency regarding state -owned enterprises, 
the existence of a high degree of concentration in certain sectors, and the use of various subsidies 
in favour of domestic fir ms. Concerns were voiced in relation to developments in specific services 
sectors, including financial services and maritime transport.  
6.14.   While many Members expressed appreciation for the numerous notifications submitted, they 
nevertheless encouraged the Ru ssian Federation to further improve the timeliness and completeness 
of its notification record, mentioning in particular notifications related to state trading enterprises, 
licensing procedures, agriculture, and technical regulations applied at the nationa l level.  
6.15.   Sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical regulations have also received much 
attention in this Review. Thus, for example, several Members raised issues regarding inspection 
procedures for meat imports and the "Track and Trace" regime. So me Members expressed concerns 
regarding the application of measures that they consider were not based on international standards, 
unsupported by scientific evidence, and without adequate transparency. Some Members stressed 
the need for more clarity regardi ng the relationship between EAEU rules and rules applied at the 
national level.  
6.16.   Other issues of interest for some Members included the introduction of export bans on 
agricultural and wood products, the imposition of temporary export restrictions and the i ncreased 
use of export tariff rate quotas since the beginning of the pandemic, and measures relating to transit.  
6.17.   This Trade Policy Review was characterized by open and constructive discussions around the 
Russian Federation's trade and trade -related policie s. As highlighted by the Russian Head of 
Delegation, the discussant, and many Members, the TPRM represents an opportunity to improve 
policies going forward.  
6.18.   I therefore hope that the authorities will find the questions, comments, and experiences 
shared du ring this Review useful in their efforts to review and design their policies. Members look 
forward to receiving the answers to outstanding questions from the Russian Federation within one 
month, at which point the Review will be successfully concluded.  
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