Russia could be granted WTO member status as early asin autumn 2006, head of the trade negotiations department of the Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry Maxim Medvedkov has announced at a round table meeting on Russia's joining the WTO. Russia's talks on its WTO accession could be finished by mid-2006, Medvedkov said.

There are a few remaining problems to be solved, he added. Russia will become an official WTO member 30 days after the Russian parliament ratifies a protocol on Russia's being granted WTO accession. From autumn 2006, Russia will have to perform all its obligations related to WTO entry, he added.