Round-Table Discussion
with
Aleksandr Guryanov
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
Anton Kudasov
Deputy Minister of Economy of Belarus
Belarus applied for WTO-membership in 1993, but the process was suspended. However, the Eurasian economic integration, the membership of Belarus in the Customs Union and Common Economic Space bring out the necessity to return to the accession negotiations this year. The fact is, Russia is already a member of the WTO and Kazakhstan will probably join it soon. While entering the Customs Union but not formally joining the WTO, Belarus, on the one hand, bears the same negative effects of the transition period of the Eurasian integration as its partners, but on the other hand, it does not benefit from any protection mechanisms. These circumstances require the leadership of the country to focus on the process of accession to the WTO.
The efforts of Belarus to join the WTO are supported by Russia, Turkey, China, India, Japan and other countries. Nevertheless, the European Union and the United States remain the key decision-makers. Is Belarus’ membership in the WTO in the interests of the EU-countries? What are the potential challenges for the contemporary model of the Belarusian economy on the road to the WTO? What is the expected impact on trade and economy in Belarus? How can the WTO accession promote economic development in the country?
The round-table discussion will be held in English.