WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION  RESTRICTED  
 WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
18 November  2011  
 (11-6018 ) 
  Working Party on the  
Accession of the Russian Federation   
 
 
 
ACCESSION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
 
Summary of the Thirty -First Meeting of the Working Party  
 
 The presen t document contains the record of the discussion which took place during the 
Thirty -First Meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of the Russian Federation  held on 
10 November 2011.  
 
 
_______________  
 
 
 
Subjects discussed  
Page  
 
A. OPENING STATEMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  2 
B. ADOPTION  OF THE ACCESSION PACKAGE  OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  ................................ .. 3 
C. CONCLUSION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  4 
 
 WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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A. OPENING STATEMENTS  
1. The Chair person  said that,  as set -out in Airgram WT O/AIR/3846 of 27 Oc tober 2011, the 
purpose of the Thirty -First Meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of the Russian Federation 
was to consider the entire Draft Accession Package  of the Russian Federation for adoption 
ad referendum  and transmission to the Eighth Ministerial Conference for approval.   
2. For the WTO  and for the Russian Federation this was a historic moment.  He thanked 
Members  of the Working Party  for their direct engagement and contributions.   
3. He underlin ed tha t the a ccession of the Russian Federation clearly demonstrated that, when 
WTO Members were determined to accomplish a goal, they did so  with distinction.  The  Working 
Party would not have reached this stage without the unified purpose of the Membership.  M embers 
had set an example of coordinated  and purposeful action.  Director -General Pascal Lamy shared  this 
view.   
4. The representative of the Russian Federation  recalled that, in 1993, democratic institutions 
and the market economy had been  just arising; num erous industries had been  in a serious situation ; 
and, his country had had to resort to international loans.  Nevertheless , the task to integrate the 
Russian Federation into  the rules -based Multilateral Trading S ystem had been put forward.   Over the 
past 1 8 years , the Russian  Federation had become the sixth largest economy in the world;  a major 
player in global markets; and, had  formed a Customs Union with Kazakhstan and Belarus .  One thing 
had not changed:  t he confidence that the WTO was the only basis fo r the future development of the 
Multilateral Trading S ystem and its Members.  
5. The accession  of the Russian Federation, a country that  represented one seventh of the global 
customs territory , had generated record interest among WTO Members.  Initially, the W orking Party 
had had 40 Members.1  At the final stage, the Working Party had 65 Members.2  The Report of the 
Working Party was an encyclopaedia of trade law from the Rus sian Federation and the 
Customs  Union.  According to the records of his Delegation , the Russian Federation had  conducted 
several thousand rounds of negotiations. Hundreds of people had been  involved in the process.  It had 
been a  remarkable  school of practi cal trade policy.  As in any living  process, there had been 
mountains and valleys , hop es and disappointments, victories and defeats, dramas and, 
of course,  comedies.  The Russian Federation was not fully satisfied with the  final arrangement.  
Many Members were not entirely satisfied either .  This was one of the most important lessons  in the  
WTO:  i f the parties  in the negotiations  were not completely satisfied with the outcome , the deal was 
fair.  
6. History was made by people.  The Accession Package  of the Russian Federation had many 
parents.  He thanked Delegations, both  in Geneva and Capital -based, for their multi -year efforts and 
the Secretariat Team, led by Mr. Chiedu Osakwe:  Mr. Eric Ng Shing, Mr. Jürgen Richtering and 
Mr. Dayong Yu for their patience in the consolidation of the Schedule of Concessions and 
Commitments on Goods;  Ms Alicja  Wielgus for contributing  to the finalization of the commitments 
on domestic support; Mrs. Josefita Pardo de León, Ms Petra Besla ć, Mrs.  Irena Giraud and 
Mrs. Nadia  Ferdi Demierre for their tireless efforts in  producing a  never -ending  series of documents  
in impossibly  tight deadlines .  
7. He conveyed special thanks to Switzerland for its mediation, which had enabled Members to  
uphold t he decision -making  traditions of the WTO.  
 
1 WT/ACC/R US/1/Rev.1.  
2 WT/ACC/RUS/1/Rev.30.   WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  8. He expressed gratitude  and appreciation for the selflessness, persistence and impartiality of 
the Chairperson.  
9. While the work on accession was coming to its end, his Delegation was looking forward to 
restart ing work as a WTO Member soon.  There were numerous negotiating topics of interest, where 
the Russian Federation was looking forward to engaging constructively.  His Delegation was pleased 
to see Kazakhstan moving forward with its accession and welcomed the resum ption of the process of 
Belarus . 
10. The representative of Bangladesh , on behalf of the LDC Group, welcomed  the progress made 
in the accession of the Russian Federation.  He thanked the Chairperson for his efforts to bring the 
process to  the threshold of c onclusion  and expressed appreciation for the work of the Secretariat.  
11. The accession of the Russian Federation had systemic importance , as it was a step towards the 
universality of the WTO.  The integration of the Russian Federation into the Multilateral Tradin g 
System would promote further growth in trade and investment and create new market access 
opportunities for least-developed countries . 
12. The LDC Group reiterate d the importance of further strengthening and streamlining the 
accession process for developing a nd least-developed countries.  Useful lessons could be drawn from 
the experien ce of the Russian Federation .  The LDC Group looked forward to working with the 
Russian Federation to promote issues of common interest in the WTO.  
B. ADOPTION  OF THE ACCESSION PACK AGE  OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION  
13. The Chairperson  suggested  that the Working Party considered each of the items of the 
Accession Package  of the Russian Federation in turn:   (i) Draft Re port of the Working Party; (ii)  Draft 
Schedule of Commitments a nd Concessio ns on Goods; (iii) Draft Schedule of Specific Commitments 
on Trade in Services and Draft List of Article II MFN Exemptions ; (iv) Draft Decision on the 
accession of the Russian Federation ; and, (v) Draft Protocol of Accession.  
14. The Chairperson  proposed that the Working Party adopted ad referendum  the Draft Report of 
the Working Party (WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/25/Rev.6).  
15. The Working Party  so agreed . 
16. The Chairperson  proposed that the Working Party adopted ad referendum  the Schedule of 
Concessions and Commitments on Good s (WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/38/Rev.1).  
17. The Working Party so agreed . 
18. The Chairperson  proposed that the Working Party adopted ad referendum  the Draft Schedule 
of Specific Commitments on Trade in Services and Draft List of Article II MFN Exemptions  
(WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/37 ). 
19. The Working Party so agreed . 
20. The Chairperson  proposed that the Working Party adopted ad referendum  the Draft Decision 
on the accession of the Russian Federation (Appendix to WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/25/Rev. 6). 
21. The Working Party so agreed . WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  22. The Chairperson  propose d that the Working Party adopted ad referendum  the Draft Protocol 
of Accession of the Russian Federation (Appendix to WT/ACC/SPEC/RUS/25/Rev. 6). 
23. The Working Party so agreed . 
C. CONCLUSION  
24. The Chairperson  concluded that the Working Party had adopted ad referen dum the Accession 
Package  of the Russian Federation.  Therefore, the  Working Party had successfully fulfilled its 
mandate.   
25. Following standing practice, the Secretariat would make the necessary technical updates to 
the Accession Package , adopted ad refere ndum .  The Final Accession Package  of the Russian 
Federation would be circulated with a new double document symbol (WT/ACC/RUS/70 and 
WT/MIN(11)/2 and their respective Addenda  1 and 2 ) for transmission to the Eight h Ministerial 
Conference.  The approval of  the Accession Package  of the Russian Federation would be placed in the 
Agenda of the Eighth Ministerial Conference by Director -General Pascal Lamy.  
26. Tribute needed to be paid to Mr. Maxim Medvedkov, Chief Negotiator of the 
Russia n Federation, and his Team for their commitment to pursuing accession and enacting 
WTO -consistent legislation, both at national and Customs Union levels, particularly  during the last 
18 months.  The Chairperson  thanked Members  of the Working Party  for their direct engagement, 
hard w ork and spirit of compromise, which enabled the successful conclusion of the accession 
process.  
27. The a ccession of the Russian Federation to the WTO was a strong, positive and clear signa l 
about its commitment to engage  in the framework of the rules -based  Multilateral  Trading System.   
28. For the WTO, the accession of the Russian Federation meant  a warm welcome for t he largest 
economy outside the M ultilateral Trading S ystem.  This ha d systemic benefits , such as improving 
market access in goods and services for t he whole Membership and strengthening the universality of 
the WTO . 
29. He acknowledged the significant contributions made by the two previous Chairpersons , 
namely , H.E. Mr. William Rossier (Switzerland) and H.E. Mr. Kåre Bry n (Norway) .  He paid tribute 
and exp ressed his deep appreciation for the extremely hard work by the Secretariat.  Through out his 
eight  years of Chairmanship , the Secretariat had  played a critical role in the accession process.  He 
had had the privilege to work with highly professional and ta lented individuals , who ha d shown 
dedication and commitment  that had enabled the  Working Party to conclude  its mandate .  It had been 
a challenging, but at the same time  enjoyable experience.  He conveyed his warm appreciation to the 
Director of the Accessi ons Division , Mr. Chiedu Osakwe, and his Team, as well as to his predecessor,  
Mr. Arif Hussein and his respective Team.   
30. The representative of the United States  said that the final  meeting of the Working Party on the  
Accession of the Russian Federation represented  a moment of  great significance for the WTO .  
He acknowledged  the indispensable role  of the Chairperson as guide in the accession  process and  his 
commitment to working with the Russian Federation and  all Members  of the Working Party .  He 
express ed appreciation to the Secretariat for its efforts, expertise,  and attentiveness  to transp arency 
and the needs of Members.  He  particularly  thanked the Director of the Accessions Division,  
Mr. Chiedu Osakwe , and his Team , and recognized the contributions by the former Team in the 
Accessions Division.  He tha nked Director -General Pascal Lamy and Deputy Director -General 
Alejandro Jara for their careful stewardship of this process.     WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  31. Any accession process was an exercise of  collaboration  among Members.  This had been  
tangible in the Working Party on the Access ion of the Russian Federation.   He underlined the 
particular contribution of Switzerland, whose  efforts were a testimonial to the best qualities and 
traditions of the host country of the WTO.   Georgia and th e Russian Federation had stretch ed to reach 
a mutually -acceptable solution.  His Delegation was confident that the same spirit would prevail in the 
implementation of the ir Bilateral Agreement.  
32. Tribute was paid to the Delegation of the Russian Federation , headed by 
Mr. Maxim  Medvedkov,  for representing its country with remarkable skill, patience,  and dedication .  
They ha d reflected the commitment of their country to join the WTO.   
33. The a ccession of the Russian Federation represented an imp ortant milestone fo r the 
United  States.  It advanced the determination of President Obama to expand the economic dimensions 
of a bilateral relationship  that had traditionally been dominated by political and security affairs.    
34. The Accession Package , which had just been  adopt ed ad referendum , was good for the 
Russian Federation, good for the United States and good for the WTO.  Like all Members, the 
United  States  had worked intensively  to ensure that the result was welcomed by domestic 
stakeholders.  The market access commitme nts and steps taken with regard to the protection of 
intellectual property rights, information technology, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, 
transparency and the whole range of WTO disciplines created a stronger basis for conducting bilateral 
trade relations.  The  Accession Package  also advanced  the objectives  of the Russian Federation  in 
terms of  diversification, modernization, and integration in to the global economy.  The Russia n 
Federation  was growing, and with  WTO Membership that growth would  be enha nced,  solidified, and 
made more sustainable.  
35. For the WTO , as an institution, the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession Package  and its 
consideration by the  Eight h Ministerial Conference represent ed important steps.  It had been a long 
time since the WTO had welcomed an economy of the size of the Russian Federation .  As with any 
accession, this would  involve adjustments, both for the new  Member, and for existing  WTO  
Members. Members should be confident that the thoroughness of the  deliberations  in the  Work ing 
Party  had laid down  a sound f ound ation for solid collaboration with the Russian  Federation.  
36. The representative of the European Union  congratulated the Russian Federation for the 
conclusion of the 18 -year long process of accession negotiations.  The Eur opean Union was the most 
important trading and investment partner of the Russian Federation.  Therefore, t his was a particularly 
important accession process , which his Delegation had supported from the start.   
37. Since 1993, the accession process had gone th rough stages of acceleration and losing 
momentum .  There were periods when negotiations seemed  close t o completion  and times when 
progress stalled .  In June 2009, the Russian Federation, together with Kazakhstan and Belarus, had 
announced the  creation of a  Customs Union with centralized  trade policy competences.  This had led 
to significant reforms in the trade regime of the Russia n Federation , which had beco me intertwined 
with the Customs  Union.  These developments had to be carefully analysed , as they  presented the 
Working Party with the challenge of considering the  application of an acceding government  that had 
transferred important competences to a body composed of countries that were not Members of the 
WTO.  The European Union,  together with Members , had taken unprecedented efforts and  devoted 
extraordinary  resources to address this challenge and advance the process.   It had been  worth it. 
Difficulties had been overcome and ways to make progress  had been  found .   WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  38. In the past 18 months,  the Russian Federa tion ha d demonstrated its determination and 
readiness to agree on the terms of accession .  He acknowledged the major efforts undertaken by the 
Russian Federation and Members  of the Working Party  to find  solutions for the most challenging  
issues, some of which had only been resolved in the last days  and hours .  
39. His Delegation appreciated the determination of Georgia and the Russia n Federation  to reach 
a timely resolution to their sensitive bilat eral issues .  He  thanked  Switzerland for its instrumental role.   
The effective implementation of the agreed terms was of crucial importance.  
40. The value of the accession of the Russian Federation to the WTO could not be 
underestimated.  The actual results and effect s would be seen in the coming years.   His Delegation 
was pleased to complete the accession process and to adopt, unanimously, the results of the 
negotiations . 
41. He concluded by expressing  appreciation to  the Delegation  of the  Russian Federation, led by 
Mr. Maxim Medvedkov.  He thanked the Chairperson, Director -General Pascal Lamy and the 
Accessions Division, headed by Mr. Chiedu Osakwe.  His Delegation looked forward to the formal 
completion of the accession of the Russian Federation at the Eight h Ministerial Conference.  
42. The representative of Argentina  welcomed th e successful conclusion of the accession process.  
The approval of the Accession Package  at the Eight h Ministerial Conference would be a milestone for 
the WTO and an important step in the integration o f the Russian Federation in to global markets and 
the Multilateral Trading S ystem.  
43. She congratulated the Delegation of the Russian Federation, led by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov.  
She thanked the Chairperson and the Secretariat for their dedicated efforts.  
44. The representative of Hong Kong, China,  congratulate d the Deleg ation of the 
Russian  Federation on the historic achievement of the Working Party.  He thanked the Chairperson 
for his leadership and the Secretariat for its efforts.  
45. He acknowledged t he positive and constructive approach  taken by the Russian Federation , 
particularly, with regard to trade liberalization and economic reforms.  The commitments reflected in 
the Accession Package  provided meaningful market access and assurances that the Russian Federation 
was ready to abide by WTO rules.  
46. His Delegation looked f orward to welcoming the Russian Federation to the WTO, upon 
approval of the Accession Package  at the Eight h Ministerial Conference.  
47. The representative of India  congratulated the Russian Federation on the completion of its 
accession negotiations.  It was a landmark that would strengthen the Multilateral Trading System  and 
the global economy.  
48. He welcomed the bilateral agreement between the Russian Federation and Georgia, as well as 
the constructive engagement by Members  of the Working Party .  He thanked the C hairperson and the 
Secretariat for their sincere efforts and supportive role to ensure that the accession process could be 
concluded this year.  
49. His Delegation  had long supported the accession of the Russia n Federation.  The strong, 
time-tested bilateral re lation had been enhanced by the India -Russia S trategic Partnership of 
October  2000, which had been elevated to a Special and Privileged St rategic Partnership in 
December  2010 .  The Partnership ha d ensured close coordination on a wide -range of international  and 
regional issues,  including  trade and economic interaction, modernization and transfer of technology.   WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  Accession to the WTO would further strengthen  cooperation between India and the Russian 
Federation.   
50. As part of BRICS, India was also a close partner  of the Russian Federation.  BRICS had 
played an important role promoting a multi -polar world order  based on international law, equality, 
cooperation, coordinated action and collective decision making.  
51. India looked forward to welcoming the Russian Federati on in  the WTO with a view to 
deepening and diversifying bilateral  engagement and cooperation.  
52. The representative of Japan  welcomed the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession Package  
of the Russian Federation  and its contribution to the universality of the  WTO.  
53. The Russian Federation had applied for accession 18 years ago.  During the accession 
negotiations, Members and the acceding government  had faced difficult situations.  However, 
obstacles had been overcome thanks to collective wisdom.  He commended Mr . Maxim Medvedkov 
and his Team for their efforts and constructive flexibility which, undoubtedly, had brought this 
process to a successful conclusion .  He thanked the Chairperson for his work  and the Secretariat for 
its professionalism, which had been a ke y element in the success of this process.  
54. Over the past months,  delegations had doubled their efforts to solve outstanding issues, both 
at the bilateral and multilateral levels, to be ready for the final meeting of the Working Party.   The 
bilateral issue b etween Georgia and the Russian Federation had been one of the most critical.  Japan 
highly appreciated the efforts by Switzerland, as mediator, as well as the constru ctive engagement by 
Georgia and the Russian  Federation.  
55. Japan looked forward to the approv al of the  accession of the Russian Federation at the Eight h 
Ministerial Conference.  His Delegation was confident that the Russian Federation would fulfil  the 
commitments contained in the Accession Package , including the abolition of measures inconsistent 
with the WTO Agreement.   
56. The representative of Australia  said that the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession 
Package  of the Russian Federation was a milestone for the Russi an Federation and the WTO.  
The Russian Federation had persevered throughout 18 years of negotiations.  This  had demonstrated a 
strong commitment to complete the accession process and recognition of the value of WTO 
Membership.  
57. For Members, the Accession Package  created a sense of certainty for future economic 
engagement with the Russi an Federation.  For the Russian Federation, accession would ensure the  
benefits and protection afforded by the rules -based Multilateral Trading S ystem.   Intense work had 
taken place over the last few days to secure an outcome on high q uality beef, which wo uld be 
non-discriminatory and upheld the MFN principle.  
58. He thanked  the Delegation of the Russian Federation, headed by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov, for 
its hard work and constructive approach to solving the most  difficult and complex issues.  He thanked 
the Chairp erson  and the Secretariat for the key role played in delivering this welcomed outcome.  
59. Australia had  long supported the accession of the Russian Federation , having completed 
bilateral negotiations in 2006 .  His Delegation looked forward to adopting  the Accession Package  at 
the Eight h Ministerial Conference.  
60. The representative of Uruguay  congratulated the Russian Federation on the major step taken 
towards joining the WTO.  He acknowledged the constructive approach taken by the Delegation of WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  the Russian Feder ation,  Members  of the Working Party , the Chairperson  and the Secretariat.   This had 
demonstrated that it was possible to work as a team and obtain tangible results.  
61. The adoption of the Decision on the Accession of the Russian Federation at the 
Eight h Minis terial Conference would strengthen the WTO and the Multilateral Trading S ystem based 
on predictable, transparent and non -discriminatory rules.  His Delegation extended a warm welcome 
to the Russian Federation and hoped to continue working constructively on  issues of common interest.  
62. The representative of Korea  welcomed  the successful completion of accession negotiations.  
This accession benefit ed the Russian Federation and the WTO.  After 18 years, the conclusion of this 
accession sent the positive message that the WTO can deliver t angibly and meaningfully.  
When  WTO Members worked together, they delivered.  This message was critically important when 
the WTO was struggling to remain relevant, in its role as the guardian of the Multilateral Trading 
System, as  the current economic and trade environment became more challenging.  
63. This accession was economically relevant, as the Russian Federation was the largest economy 
outside the WTO.  Upon completion of the accession, WTO Members would cover 99 per cent of 
world trade.  This would open new opportunities for trade expansion and economic growth.  He hoped 
that accession would serve as the catalyst for further strengthening bilateral relations between Korea 
and the Russian Federation, as  had been  demonstrated at a recent Bilateral Summit in St. Petersburg . 
64. He welcomed the Bilateral A greement reached by Georgia and the Russian Federation,  and 
applauded the mediation by  Switzerland.  He thanke d the Delegation of the Russian  Federation, 
headed by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov, f or its tireless and constructive engagement.   He expressed 
appreciation for the leadership of  the Chairperson and the hard work by the Secretariat.  
65. His Delegation would continue to work closely and constructively with other delegations to 
ensure that the accession of the Russian Federation would  come to a successful conclusion at the 
Eighth  Ministerial  Conference . 
66. The representative of Ukraine  congratulated the Russian Federation for the conclusion of its 
accession negotiations.  The accession of the Russia n Federation would strengthen global trade and 
promote bilateral and economic relations, based on the principles of the Multilateral Trading S ystem.  
67. The representative of Mexico  welcomed the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession 
Package  of the Russian Fe deration.  It was a landmark in the history of the WTO.  
68. Over the past 18 years, quantitative analyses had demonstrated  the economic importance of 
the accession of the Russian Federation.  Nevertheless, this accession was also  a decisive  and strategic 
step forward in the defence and promotion of the Multilateral Trading System  and its consolidation as 
a development strategy.  
69. She commended the Delegation of the Russian Federation, as well as Members  of the 
Working Party , for their efforts and determination to  reach a successful conclusion.  She thanked the 
Chairperson and the Secretariat for their dedication and hard work.  Teamwork was the key for 
reaching this important outcome . 
70. The representative of Turkey  expressed satisfaction on the conclusion of accessi on 
negotiations and congratulated the Russian Federation.   This accession would make the WTO a 
universal body.  It had been one of the most complex accession processes.    
71. The integration of the Russian Federation into the international economic system had been 
long awaited.  It would offer new opportunities in the vast and booming Russian market, and would  WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  add impetus to global economic growth.  The Russian Federation and the whole WTO Membership 
would benefit from a stable and predictable trade environment . 
72. The excellent work by the Chairperson and the Secretariat Team, led by Mr.  Chiedu Osakwe, 
had been  the basis for Members to move forward and adopt ad referendum  the Accession Package . 
73. He conveyed s pecial thanks to Switzerland for the successful mediation , which had permitted 
to overcome one of the stumbling blocks of this process.  
74. His Delegation looked forward to welcoming the Russian Federation as a WTO Member.   
It would give its  final endorsement at the Eight h Ministerial Conference  and awaited the ear ly 
ratification of the  Accession Package . 
75. The r epresentative of Chinese Taipei  expressed appreciation for the efforts undertaken by the 
Delegation of the Russian Federation, led by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov, the Chairperson and the 
Secretariat Team, headed by Mr . Chiedu Osakwe.  Th ose efforts had turned what had once looked as 
a "mission impossible" into tangible results.  
76. His Delegation had been a strong advocate f or the early completion of the a ccession of the 
Russian Federation , as it would greatly benefit the Russian Federation and WTO Members.  As a 
recently -acceded Member, Chinese Taipei had a precise  understanding of the c hallenges of meeting 
accession criteria and fulfilling WTO requirements.   As the process entered its final stage, his 
Delegation would con tinue to support the accession of the Russian Federation and looked forward to 
welcoming it as a Member.  
77. The representative of Thailand , on behalf of ASEAN, congratulated the Delegation of the 
Russian Federation, headed by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov.  She thanked  the Chairperson and the 
Secretariat for their hard work .  She conveyed appreciation to previous Chairpersons.  
78. ASEAN looked forward to welcoming the Russian Federation as a WTO Member.   The 
accession of the Russian Federation would significantly increase g lobal trad e flows, as well as 
strengthen the Multilateral Trading System.   
79. The representative of New Zealand  congratulated the Russian Federation on successfully 
completing its Accession Package .  He  acknowledged the huge efforts undertaken by Members and  
the Russian Federation over the past 18 months, after the establishment of the Customs Un ion.   
80. His Delegation appreciated the willingness of the Russian Federation to answer specific 
questions, both at informal meetings and during bilateral discussions.  This had facilitated the ability 
to understand and agree on the Accession Package .  He paid tribute to the Delegation of the 
Russian  Federation, headed by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov,  for its contribution s and commitment to the  
process.  This had established an e xcellent foundation for the constructive participation of the 
Russian  Federation in the WTO.   
81. He thanked DDG Jara and the Secretariat Team, led by Mr. Chiedu Osakwe, for the ir efforts 
and timely distribution of the Accession Package .  As in any accession,  several Members had made 
significant contributions.  The results were the product of collective efforts by colleagues, both 
current and past.  He acknowledged the contributions of the Chairperson, as well as his clear direction 
and objectivity, which had been instrumental in reaching this final stage.  
82. He concluded by recognizing the key role played by Switzerland, as mediator.  The accession 
of the Russian Federation to the WTO would be a significant moment for the WTO.  His Delegation WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  looked forward to th e approval of the Accession Package  at the Eight h Ministerial Conference and to 
working constructively with the Russian Federation in the WTO.  
83. The representative of China  congratulated the Russian Federation on the successful 
conclusion of accession negoti ations.  He commended the Delegation of the Russian Federation for its 
efforts and thanked the Chairperson and the Secretariat.  He also applauded the  Russia n Federation  
and Georgia for reaching  a Bilateral  Agreement, under the excellent mediation by Switz erland.  
84. China and the Russian Federation had shared a long -standing friendship.  China  had been one 
of the first Members to conclude  bilateral negotiations with  the Russia n Federation .  Having  also 
experienced a lengthy accession process, China understood  the feelings at this stage of the process .  
Accession to the WTO would cont ribute to bilateral economic co operation and to the consolidation of 
the strategic partnership.   His Delegation looked forward to working together with the Russian 
Federation in th e WTO.   
85. The adoption ad referendum  of the Accession Package  was a historic moment for the Russian 
Federation, the WTO and the international economic community.  The Russian Federation was the 
only large economy outside the WTO.  This accession was a major  step towards universality of the 
WTO and would be one of the most important deliverables for the Eight h Ministerial Conference.   
86. He concluded by saying that , with the fresh thrust from the accession of the 
Russia n Federation , there was optimism that WTO Members could overcome the impasse of the 
Doha  Round.  
87. The representative of Nigeria  said that one of the most important tasks faced by the WTO was 
accession .  The ex perience of the Russian Federation wa s exceptional , as it was  the largest economy 
outside t he Multilateral Trading System.   He welcomed the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession 
Package  and thanked Members for their constructive engagement and support.  
88. The accession of the Russian Federation would benefit the Russian Federation and the 
Multila teral Trading S ystem.   It would open new business opportunities and strengthen the 
competitiveness of the Russian economy.  
89. He congratulated the Delegation of the Russian Federation for its dedication.  He thanked the 
Chairperson and the Secretariat Team, u nder the leadership of Mr. Chiedu Osakwe, for their hard 
work.  
90. The representative of Nepal  congratulated the Russian Federation on the adoption 
ad referendum  of its Accession Package .  He expressed appreciation for the work undertaken by the 
Chairperson an d the Secretariat Team.  
91. The Russian Federation was the only  one of the  five permanent members of the Security 
Council of the United Nations , and also the only G -8 and G-20 country  outside the WTO.  It had the 
largest territorial extension, mineral reserves  and natural resources, and was one of the most populous 
countries  in the world .  This accession truly contribute d to the universality of the WTO.  
92. His Delegation looked forward to welcoming the Russian Federation as a WTO Member.  
93. The representative of Pakistan congratulated the Russian Federation.  He expressed 
appreciation for the indefatigable efforts of the Delegation  of the Russian Federation , Members  of the 
Working Party , the Chairperson and the Secretariat.  He conveyed special thanks to Switzerland f or 
successfully mediating a solution between the Russian Federation and Georgia, who deserved praise 
for showing a spirit of accommodation and compromise.   WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  94. Accession to the WTO was an important step in integrating the Russian Fed eration into the 
global econ omy.  It would foster growth and development, as well as  increase  the stability and 
predictability of the Russian trade and investment regime s.  The WTO w as an instrument.  Those who 
knew how to use it gre w stronger.  Those that preferred  to sit behind a f ence of protectionis m were 
lost.  Accession would lay a solid foundation for sustained economic reform, industrial efficiency and 
international competitiveness in the Russian Federation.   
95. The representative of Norway  said that her Delegation had been a fi rm supporter  of the 
accession of the Russian Federation, during the past 18 years.  Throughout the negotiations her 
Delegation had attached great importance to finding solutions and ensuring compliance with WTO 
rules.  
96. Bilateral negotiations had been concl uded in 2005.  In the multilateral track, the strongest 
interests of Norway had been in the area of sanitary and phytosanitary measures.  Her Delegation 
welcomed the commitments undertaken by the Russian Federation in this and other areas.   
97. She thanked th e Delegation of the Russian Federation , led by Mr.  Maxim Medvedkov , for 
contributing to  a constructive dialogue and for its efforts to finding solutions.  She thanked the 
Chairperson and the Secretariat for their tireless work  to facilitate the process.  
98. This was a historic  moment.  She applauded the crucial contribution of Switzerland as 
mediator.  Her Delegation looked forward to the approval of the Accession Package  at the 
Eighth  Ministerial Conference.  
99. The representative of Brazil  recalled that, in a pr evious informal meeting, his Delegation had 
spoken on behalf of BRICS countries that were WTO Members.  He was pleased that, in the near 
future, all BRICS countries would be WTO Members.  
100. The longest negotiations in the Multilateral Trading System  had just been finalized to admit 
the largest economy outside the WTO.  Members had taken the  longest  stride to achieve universality 
of the WTO .  The accession of the Russian Federation would be  a very significant outcome for the 
Eight h Ministerial Conference.  
101. The representative of Canada  said that the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession Package  
was a milestone  for the Russian Federation and WTO Member s.  It had been a long and winding  road, 
stemming from the give and take and challenges of negotiations.  Throug hout, the strong and 
persistent commitment by the Russian Federation, particularly in the final stretch, had been palpable.  
102. His Delegation welcomed the accession of the largest economy outside the WTO, as it would 
enhance the legitimacy of the Multilateral  Trading System.  He congratulated the efforts of the 
Delegation of the Russian Federation, led by Mr. Maxim Medvedkov, Members  of the Working Party , 
the Chairperson, the Director of the Accessions Division and the Secretariat Team .  He recognized the 
stellar and tireless mediation of Switzerland, which made the Bilateral Agreement between the 
Russian Federation and Georgia  possible .   
103. The representative of Chile  welcomed the successful conclusion of the accession of the 
Russian Federation.  It was a long -awaited outcome that would contribute to the universality of the 
WTO.  Chile and the Russian Federation had concluded their bilateral negotiations in 2006.  He hoped 
that this would be the beginning of a stronger relation, beyond trade.  
104. He applauded  the com mitment by the Russian Federation throughout the accession process.  
It had demonstrated their interest to fully participate in the Multilateral Trading System, which had WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  allowed small countries, like Chile, to reap benefits of trade on equal footing witho ut discrimination.  
In a period of economic uncertainty, this accession was a vote of confidence for the WTO.  
105. He thanked the Chairperson and the Secretariat Team, headed by Mr. Chiedu Osakwe, for 
guiding the accession process with caution and determination  towards a just, equi table and transparent 
consensus -based solution.  
106. The representative of Colombia  congratulated the Russian Federation for the adoption 
ad referendum  of the Accession Package .  This accession would strengthen the WTO and enable the 
Russia n Federation to benefit from the stability and predictability of the rules -based Multilateral 
Trading System.  His Delegation looked forward to working with the Russian Federation.  
107. He thanked the Delegation of the Russian Federation and Members  of the Work ing Party  for 
the efforts undertaken to reach t his final stage.  He  applauded the mediation by Switzerland.  He 
appreciated the hard work by the Chairperson and the Secretariat.  As long as there was interest, 
dedication and determination, teamwork could a chieve the most distant outcomes.  
108. The representative of Cuba  congratulated the Russian Federation for its efforts, flexibility and 
pragmatism throughout the accession process.   His Delegation reiterated its unconditional support for 
the Russian Federation and looked forward to joining forces to foster development -related issues in 
the WTO.  
109. This was a historic moment for the WTO and the Russian Federation.  The accession of the 
largest economy outside the WTO would strengthen the Multilateral Trading System,  particularly in 
this difficult juncture.   His Delegation shared the enthusiasm for the accession, but could  not conceal 
regret that it had taken  a record -setting process of 18 years.  There were some improvements to be 
made  to the accession process.  His Delegation called for a thorough analysis, as many  developing 
countries were still waiting to join the WTO.  
110. He thanked Switzerland for its excellent mediation ; Georgia for its willingness to reach an 
agreement; the Chairperson for his leadership; and the S ecretariat for its hard work.  
111. The representative of Ecuador  welcomed  the successful conclusion of the accession process .  
His Delegation looked forward to the formal approval of the Accession Package  at the Eight h 
Ministerial Conference.  
112. The a ccession of t he Russian Federation would consolidate the Multilateral Trading System  
and strengthen predictability in trade relations and market access for developing countri es.  
His Delegation was confident that the Russian Federation would honour its commitments.  
113. He commended the contribution by Switzerland,  as mediato r, and congratulated the 
Russian  Federation and Georgia for reaching a mutually -acceptable solution.  He thanked the 
Chairperson and the Secretariat for the ir constructive work.  
114. The representative of Georgia said that, in an effort to ensure transparency, her Delegation  
had regularly informed Members on the developments in the bil ateral negotiations between Georgia 
and the Russian Federation, mediated by Switzerland.  
115. As a result of the bilateral negotiat ions, three types of  documents had been signed on 
9 November 2011:   (i) Agreement on the Basic Principles for a Mechanism of Customs 
Administration and Monitoring of Trade in Goods;  (ii) Memoranda of Understanding to affirm the 
role of Switzerland as the Neutral Third Party, as had been foreseen  in the Agreement; and,  
(iii) Notes Verbales  and letters defining the terms of reference for the activity of neutral monitors, as  WT/ACC/RUS/ 71 
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  envisaged in the Bilateral Agreement, had been exchanged by the three Parties (Georg ia, the Russian 
Federation and Switzerland).  
116. Her Delegation expressed sincere gratitude to Switzerland for its tireless efforts in the 
negotiati ons, as well as for its commitment to the implementation of the  Bilateral  Agreement, 
emphasized by accepting the  role of the Neutral Third Party.  Georgia looked forward to the effective 
functioning of t he mechanism established by the  Bilateral Agreement.  She thanked the Chairperson 
and the Accessions Division.   
117. The representative of Paraguay  congratulated the Rus sian Federation for completing its 
accession negotiations.  His Delegation hoped to continue working constructively with the Russian 
Federation , in its new capacity as Member,  in the various fora of the WTO.  He thanked the 
Delegation of the Russian Federa tion, Switzerland, the Chairperson and the Secretariat for the 
fundamental roles played in this process.  
118. The representative of Viet Nam joined ASEAN in congratulating the Russian Federation. 
WTO Membership would strengthen the Russian economy and attract f oreign investment.  As a 
recently -acceded Member, his Delegation understood the difficulties of the accession process.  
Accession would improve the competitiveness of Russian businesses and consumers would have 
access to higher -quality goods and services.  
119. The representative of El Salvador , on behalf of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and 
the Dominican Republic, welcomed the adoption ad referendum  of the Accession Package .  It was a 
historic event that would enhance  the universality of the WTO and str engthen the economy of the 
Russian Federation.  He hoped that the market access commitmen ts on goods and services would 
foster trade relations and looked forward to work ing with the Russian Federation in the WTO.  He 
congratulated the Delegation of the Rus sian Federation for its efforts; acknowledged the mediation by 
Switzerland; and , thanked the Chairperson and  the Secretariat for their  work.  
120. The representative of Costa Rica  congratulated the Russian Federation for the successful 
conclusion of its accessio n negotiations.  The efforts of the Russian Federation and Members  of the 
Working Party  had proved  that, when delegations joined forces and worked  with determination , 
consensus and agreements were reached.  The Accession Package , which had just been  adopte d ad 
referendum , was a satisfactory result.  It had laid the foundation for new and potential trade flows.   
121. Her Delegation appreciated the commitment by the Russian Federation to assume its 
obligations as a WTO Member  in a serious and responsible manner.  She thanked the Chairperson for 
the skilful conduct  of the process and the Secretariat for its excellent work.  
122. The representative of Peru welcomed the successful conclusion of the 18 -year long accession 
process.  This was a historical moment, as the only major economy outside the WTO completed the 
last steps to join.  He congratulated Switzerland for mediating the Bilateral A greement reached by 
Georgia and the Russian Federation.  Peru had always supported the a ccession of the Russian 
Federation, as it wou ld contribute to strengthen the ir excellent bilateral trade and investment relations .  
He hoped to continue working constructively with the Russian Federation.  
123. The representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  joined Members in congratulating the 
Russian F ederation for concluding its accession negotiations.  This accession would add value to the 
Multilateral Trading System  and enable the Russian Federation to fully participate in the global 
economy, complying with WTO rules and standards.  
124. The representative  of Switzerland  congratulated the Russian Federation for the historical 
achievement.  He paid tribute to DG Pascal Lamy, DDG Alejandro Jara, the Director of the WT/ACC/RUS/7 1 
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  Accessions Division, Mr. Chiedu Osakwe, as well as his predecessor Mr. Ari f Hussain and their 
respective T eams.  He congratulated the Chairperson for his subtle and strong leadership.   There was  
a powerful lesson to be drawn from this accession process: i f and when WTO Members cooperate d 
and search ed for constructive solutions, great things could be  achieved .  This winning formula should 
be remembered  and applied  throughout  the WTO.  
125. He congratulated the Delegation of the Russian Federation, headed by 
Mr. Maxim  Medvedkov , for its incredible skill, patience and  determination during this 18-year long 
process. T here had been  numerous ups and downs along the path that had led  to the completion of the 
mandate of the Working Party .  
126. Undoubtedly, the  integration of the Russian Federation in the Multilateral Trading System  
opened  a new chapter in WTO history. This was a major step towards making the WTO  truly 
universal. Once  Ministers approve d the Accession Package  at the Eight h Ministerial Conference and 
the ratification process was completed, the Russian Federation and WTO Members would have a  
win-win situati on full of new opportunities. Accession was a strong signal of the dedication of the 
Russian Federation to the rules -based system and its attachment to the balance of rights and 
obligations associated with WTO Membership.  
127. He thank ed all D elegations for th eir kind words with regard to the humble support that 
Switzerland had provided  to facilitate  cooperation and understanding between Georgia and  the 
Russia n Federation .  It had  been a great hono ur for Switzerland to offer its modest assistance .  It wa s 
both Georgia and the Russian Federation who deserved  the credit for taking the necessary steps 
towards each other.  Switzerland just built a little bridg e, or better said , two corridors.  
128. The Working Party took note  of the statements made.  
 
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