Bear in the manger?

7 February 2008 By Martin Hutchinson

It might try. The Ukrainian government says that its membership of the World Trade Organisation will ease Russia s path in, but it has to persuade a fractious parliament with a strong proRussian minority. Russia wants to join the WTO, but it might want an unstable Ukraine more.

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Ukraine signed a treaty to join the World Trade Organisation on February 5. The deal is subject to Ukrainian parliamentary ratification, which must occur within six months. The agreement requires Kiev to cut maximum tariffs on industrial goods to an average 5% and on agricultural goods to an average 11%. It must also not subsidize agricultural exports and must restrict aid to farmers.

Ukraine's first priority as a WTO member will be to forge a trade agreement with the EU, which made WTO accession a condition of the talks.

Russia is not yet a member of the WTO; Ukraine has promised to help Russia gain accession.

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