The President said that joining the WTO would not be a remedy for the biggest problems Russia has to face in developing its economy, and that in any case, Russia would have to resolve these problems through its own efforts whatever the circumstances.
But WTO accession would definitely stimulate Russian manufacturers’ attempts to become more competitive, Mr Putin noted, and being able to take part in drawing up the rules governing world trade would contribute to the successful development of Russian industry in general and create more favourable and civilised conditions in which to work.