Trade committee chairmen voice worries on Russia WTO bid

The trade committee leaders say they continue to have “numerous concerns” about Russia’s lax enforcement of intellectual property rights protection. They also want Russia to join a WTO side agreement known as the Information Technology Agreement, which commits members to tariff-free trade in computer equipment.

In the field of agriculture, the chairmen and ranking members are pushing for the removal of barriers that have allowed Russia to exclude U.S. poultry and other key exports based on “unscientific” health and safety claims. Russia has in the past threatened to exclude U.S. chicken.
 
{mosads}On industrial goods, the letter urges changes to Russia’s policies on investment in automobile production. 

“Consultation continues to be a priority in the remaining stages of Russia’s WTO accession process, just as it has been throughout. We fully share the view that Russia’s accession include strong commitments on these and other important issues. We continue to have confidence that Russia will be formally invited to join the WTO at the Ministerial Conference in December,” an administration official said in response to the letter. 

Recognizing the status of talks, House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio)
last week made clear he wants to see improved human rights in Russia in
exchange for WTO admission. Boehner accused Russia of trying “to
restore Soviet-style
power and influence” and called on the Obama administration to take a
tougher line.

Boehner warned about the consequences of Prime
Minister Vladimir Putin’s expected return to the presidency, suggesting
the U.S. should reconsider its policy of a “reset” with Russia.