The U.S. and Russia signed April 6 a declaration setting forth a framework for strategic cooperation on various trade, economic and other issues.
WTO Accession - The two sides believe that a “major effort, especially between now and June,” could help Russia achieve WTO accession by the end of 2008. The Bush administration will work with Congress and the business community to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment for Russia and grant it permanent normal trade relations status this year.
Economic Dialogue - Within the next few months the U.S. and Russia will create new business-to-business and government-to-government dialogues. The economic dialogue will aim to identify areas where laws and regulations impede trade and investment, improve the transparency of the business and investment environment and strengthen the rule of law.
Bilateral Investment Treaty - The two countries will advance efforts to negotiate a new BIT, although no details about the timing of such an effort were provided.
World Trade/Interactive
