Russia and the WTO

Russia first applied to the World Trade Organisation in 1993. But it was only when Vladimir Putin took over the presidency in 2000 that real progress towards accession became possible. Putin's economic reform programme has helped to prepare Russia's economy for the demands of membership. And his pro-western turn after September 11th 2001 has generated much political support. Nevertheless, the Putin administration has given up its original goal of joining the trade club by 2003.