Ildar Khalikov: “Under WTO conditions measures to support some economic sectors must be provided”

Some industries and economic sectors of the Russian Federation require support under conditions of Russia’s entry to the World Trade Organization. Tatarstan is willing to offer the federal center certain measures in the context of the state regional policy.

Such a statement has been made by the Tatarstan Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov at a round table “Specific features of realisation of state social and economic policy in regions under conditions of Russia’s entry to WTO” in Samara.

The round table was held within the framework of session of interim commission of the Federation Council for environmental monitoring of Russia's participation in the World Trade Organisation and Customs union.

He said that areas most sensitive to entry to WTO are automotive industry, petrochemistry and agriculture. “We hope today’s event will help working out state measures of support for domestic producers,” the PM said. One of such measures is car recycling tax for imported cars offered by KAMAZ. The biggest risk for petrochemical sector is decrease of import tax for tyres. “Enterprises estimate that due to Russia’s entry to WTO annual loss for Nizhnekamskneftekhim will make 3 bln roubles,” Ildar Khalikov informed.

Agriculture, especially milk and swine breeding, is another problematic industry. Ildar Khalikov agrees that agricultural production requires modernization and new technology level.

Thus, some suggestions have been prepared in Tatarstan. In particular, approval of the state program aimed at adaptation of agricultural producers and food industry for work under new conditions and proper funding.

Ildar Khalikov mentioned that several countries improperly fulfill conditions of membership in economic alliance and prepare decisions making local producers more competitive. Therefore, the monitoring of economic policy of WTO member countries and other analytical work must be conducted, Head of the Tatarstan Government said. The PM supposes that Russian producers need support upon entry into foreign markets.

Representatives of some other Russian regions made some proposals on measures to support the economy under WTO conditions.

Chairman of the Federation Council Committee for federative structure, regional policy, local self-government and affairs of the North Stepan Kirichuk, representatives of governments of Russian regions and members of the interim commission participated in the event.

Ildar Khalikov noted that all announced advantages of Russia’s entry to WTO are not visible on the regional level. There is a serious concern about certain decisions.