“Russia Economic Development: US Factor”. Igor Nikolaev, FBK Partner, Has Spoken in the Course of Moscow-Washington Video Bridge

On June 16, 2011 Moscow-Washington video bridge on the subject Russia Economic Development: US Factor has taken place in RIA Novosti press-center. Within its framework American and Russian experts have told about the chances of Jackson-Vanik amendment cancellation in the nearest future, about the US attitude towards Russia’s joining the World Trade Organization as well as have highlighted a number of other issues.
Igor Nikolaev, Director of FBK Strategic Analysis Department, has told about the Russian business corporations’ vision of Russia’s chances to join WTO in the nearest future. “I have the impression that ten years ago there was more optimism. However, the process went on but we still have not joined WTO,” – the economist said. At the same time, I.Nikolaev has emphasized that there has accumulated certain weariness in the negotiations on Russia joining WTO. Russia is setting records in entering process duration. “When everybody is tired there are two potential options of further developments: either to try to finalize the process as soon as possible or just to abandon this idea altogether. It seems that presently the parties are inclined to choose the second option”, – concluded Nikolaev.

Taking part in video bridge on the part of Moscow there also was Mikhail Khazin, President of Neokon Expert Consulting Center, on the part of Washington – Toby Gati, the US Assistant Secretary of State in 1993-1997, and Blake Marshall, Senior Vice President and GR-Director of PBN Company.